Praying in Faith makes a Difference

Описание: In Philippians chapter 4 verses 1-7 Paul wants to send the congregation a word of encouragement. Paul continues his instruction as a continuation from Verse 3:21. Paul points to Christ as the one who can transform ourselves into His likeness and bring all things to Himself. Verse 4:1 Paul encourages us to stand fast and be strong in the Lord no matter what is going on around us. In verses 2-3 we learn that there is contention between some of the fellow workers in the church with Paul urging the church and congregants to pray for Euodia and Syntyche. Paul closes the verse reminding us that they too are fellow workers whose names are written in the book of life. Verses 4-5 further substantiate Paul’s request to rejoice in the Lord. Do not quarrel amongst each other is a better way to look at it. We are all God’s children especially when we are all walking with Jesus. We are to be kind to one another because the Lord is at hand. Our focus as Christians should be on God because He is always with us. We need to beware that the return of Jesus could come at any time so we should always be prepared in our attitude and our behavior. Verses 6-7 are a good reminder to all of us that God will answer all the prayers of His children. What better way to communicate to the Father and stand in the gap for others than through prayer. In our most difficult times we can call on the Father through prayer and these prayers will be answered. Paul again, reminds us not to worry about things, he is saying to give every issue, every circumstance over to God. When we pray and when we let go of our problems and worries giving them over to the Creator of the Universe, who can handle each one, then His peace will fall upon us. Our understanding will increase and our need to be self-sufficient will dwindle away. God will grow greater in our life and our lives will become more enriched with His love. If we trust in the Lord, we will see God move in ways that we have never seen before.

What shall we do then, worry for the things we cannot control? Our worries are not an integral component to problem solving nor does it make sense to do so. Worrying will only complicate the situation (Matthew 6:27-28). The bible is full of encouragement and draws us away from the worries of today. Anxiety does not come from God and if entrenched in your heart can cause great depression (Proverbs 12:25). If you are currently going through anxious times and cannot seem to see your way through them, maybe it is time to get on your knees and fast and pray so you may hear God clearly. It is to our benefit that we give to God those issues and concerns so He may release you from your stress (Nehemiah 1:4-7).

Most people today will spend less than 5 minutes a day on average devoting their time to the Lord in prayer. These types of people and prayers are rightfully called desperation praying people, praying desperation prayers (Psalm 69:1-3). There are a number of reasons that will cause you to become a desperate prayer person. The most common I believe is due to the fast paced life people are living with work, homes, children, and pets. Satan will throw the right dart at you at the right moment just when we are in need to speak to the Lord. Satan does this to distract you away from your precious time with Jesus. The point is, if you are not focused on God and your pray life is lacking then you have already identified the problem. That problem is the lack of prayer and trusting in the Lord. One could make the argument that if your prayer life is lacking then, so is your relationship with God. All this means is that when you have a weak prayer life, you most likely are not reading God’s word and you are not spending enough time with God anchoring yourself to Him.

Our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ who willingly gave Himself on the cross for you and I. Remember Jesus prayed for all things even when He knew the circumstance seemed overwhelming (John 17:1-26). Praying builds hope in us and gives us confidence to know that God is listening and answering our prayers. Becoming one of God’s children is simple and the steps to take are not burdensome. It takes a commitment on our part to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and then repent of our sins, seek forgiveness from the Lord and others you have sinned against, get in His word and surround yourself with true Christian brothers and sisters and take that everlasting journey with Jesus for eternity.

My prayer is that we would bring every circumstance to You Lord and lay them all at Your feet. We no longer can rely on our own strength and understanding. We need You Father more today than yesterday. I pray that the desire to want You in our lives increases daily and that we will never stop seeking Your face. In Jesus Mighty Name Amen! Amen!