Pray it Through
Of all the multitude that followed Christ, Jesus chose only twelve to be his apostles (or ones who are sent as the name means). This was a very important decision. The future of his church rested on the men his picked. The example of the process he used to decide should be our example. In today’s reading, we discovered that Jesus “went out into the hills to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God.” The greatest decisions need the greatest care. The biggest heartaches need healing only God can give.
Right now, storms rage all around me. It is yet another difficult time in my life. Maybe you are like me. Maybe your life is not measured by time but by trial. One thing I have discovered throughout my life is that prayer changes everything. I have spent many sleepless nights lately in prayer. It isn’t that I cannot sleep so I turn to God. God has been my greatest need and biggest comfort.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What an amazing promise. Worry and anxiety inevitably come to call. How will we respond? Will we give access to our thoughts, our dreams, our waking and sleeping peace? That is what Satan wants. He wants us distracted. Life can be challenging. However, like Paul, I can say, “I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13) I cannot promise you that your day will get better. I cannot promise you that what you are urgently praying for is what God knows you need. Perhaps His answer will be yes. Maybe no. Maybe wait. Simply know that the door to our Heavenly Father is always open. God invites us to come to Him with every concern and offer of thanksgiving. You don’t have to make these hard decisions alone. Life can be challenging, but it can also be amazing. God can take the mud which has soiled our good intentions and make it into a strong and beautiful house to protect us from the storm.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
Commenti