But who was praying for her?

The death of Amy Winehouse saddens my heart greatly. Why? Because she never knew the power and reality of Redemption found only in Jesus Christ.

She was trapped in the bondage of addiction...which in reality was plain evidence of the Enemy's foothold in her life.
As believers, we know this truth (but I think more often than not, tend to forget):

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Eph. 6:12

I don't think Amy knew that...even though she was smack dab in the middle of this darkness. There was a great evil power at work in her life, that I don't believe she could see or understand - for the eyes of her heart were veiled by the Enemy.

As believers, we know the Enemy prowls about like a lion seeking whom he may devour...we know that the Thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy...But as believers, we also have HOPE - that Jesus came so that we may have LIFE, and have it ABUNDANTLY.

I don't think Amy knew that either...that there was still hope for her, even in her darkest days. That she could have had an abundant life, putting the mistakes and brokenness behind her. I don't think she knew that the God of Peace loved her immensely despite her brokenness. He still loves her, and I know that His heart is breaking too.

Believers and unbelievers alike are NOT exempt from the schemes of the Enemy. As Christ followers, we know what we must do to stand against the enemy (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-18&version=NIV)

But what about those people living in darkness...? Yes, some choose darkness...but some know no other way.

What about them? They're left to their own devices...where the Enemy takes full advantage and keeps them in the dark. "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Cor. 4:4

But there is always hope for them!

To be blunt, I don't like how we I tend to pity the lost life of an unbeliever ("Oh, how very sad, it's a shame that she struggled with addiction"), say a quick (but honest and sincere) prayer for the family and friends ("God, I ask that you bring good out of this, and that some will come to know you"), and then move about my own business.

God shook my life last year as I struggled with prayer. I had a very hard time believing that my prayers to God would actually make a difference in peoples' lives that did not know Him personally as their Redeemer, as their loving Daddy. You can read more about that HERE.

He placed a very obscure person on my heart - this person is one of my favorite actors/comedians. I was like, "What the heck?! Why is my heart so burdened for this person? I don't even KNOW him?!?!!!!!"

But I couldn't stand the dreadful fact that this person doesn't know the Jesus that I know. And through this burden, God helped me to understand that my prayers for this person did not go unheard. So I continue to pray for him...even though I will probably never meet him or speak to him in person. It is an act of obedience, and one that I may never fully understand or see the fruits of in this lifetime.

I pray God's hand of protection over him from the darkness/Enemy, that God would have mercy on him, that God would draw his heart near to Him, that God will place someone directly in his life to share the Gospel with him, that God would reveal himself to this person, that God will unveil his eyes from the lies that the Enemy has placed before him, that he will come to know deeply and personally the love that Jesus has for him that he might be saved and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!!

This is not to bring me glory in any way, as I know it can easily seem like I am boasting...my heart is just so burdened and I'm convicted.

It is natural that we pray for our loved ones, those that are so very dear and close to us.

But I also think it should become natural for us to pray for specific people that we don't know personally. And I mean, seriously and intentionally PRAY. I don't know...call me crazy...but I know there are PLENTY of people, just like Amy, who probably have no one praying the precious blood of Jesus over their lives. 

As Christians, WE KNOW AND HAVE THE TRUTH! Within us is the power of the Holy Spirit who reveals the truth that Jesus is interceding before the Father for us so that we might approach the throne.  So why not come boldly to the throne of our gracious God on behalf of the lost!!!??? Because they don't yet know this freedom...they don't yet know the power of redemption...

"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. ² Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. ⁵ For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. ⁶ He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone... This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time." I Timothy 2:1-6

Was anyone praying for Amy Winehouse...?