Tuesday, May 15, 2012

May 15, 2012

The power of prayer is not a joke nor is it something to take lightly.  There is a power far beyond our understanding when we pray and God hears.  Often we think God isn't listening, if that is true, how do people get saved, find themselves from homeless to having a home, illnesses healed, marriages saved and prodigals coming home?  These are just a few examples of the power behind the cross.

All through the Bible, there are stories of miracles.  People being healed, children being raised from the dead, demons being released.  You either believe all of it or none of it.  Just because it happened thousands of years ago does not mean that it didn't happen.  Records show that Jesus did die on a cross and His disciples wrote about their journey with Him.  Did they lie about His prayer life?  Or maybe they exaggerated about His 40 days of temptation.

It comes down to whether you believe or not.  Simple and factual.  If you don't believe Jesus died on a cross, you're not saved.  If you don't believe that He raised a child from death, you don't believe and if you think Satan is not real, then more than likely you don't believe in God.

So what is our alternative to this unbelief lurking at every corner?  We must sit down, read the Bible and pray.  Christ will reveal Himself to you if you ask.  This does not mean that He will answer every prayer with a resounding, "yes."  What it means is that He desires to be known by His chosen and that when we pray, He hears.

This might sound like a bunch of junk to the average person but all I ever have to ask anyone is where were you when you found Jesus?  You know where you were, how you were feeling and if you have a good memory, the year He found you.  It's not a coincidence that this moment is part of our  lives.  It's the moment that you find God and He finds you.  When you find Him there is a joy like no other.  It almost feels like a piece of your heart was put back in place.  The loneliness fades and a peace begins.  But as time wears on us and trials come, we forget what He did for us and it all vanishes into questions like, where is God?

God is near.  Even Jesus had to go and be alone to pray.  He prayed all the time.  He left the Lord's prayer with His soldiers so they would know how to pray.  Before He went to His death, He prayed in the Garden.  So if Christ did it, we must follow.  Prayer is the single thing we have control over in this vast and lonely world.  It is our connection to the Father of life.  If you don't know how to pray, get with someone that does.

Our relationship depends on us walking and talking daily with God.  If we don't pray for His will to be done, then we really haven't experienced the full force of the mighty Lord.  Part of the reason some of our prayers don't get answered with a yes is because it wasn't in His will to begin with.

Like most people, I love to see my prayers answered.  I always feel very close to God when I see His hand in my life.  But the question we must ask ourselves is, what if He doesn't answer a prayer?  Will I be faithful to believe anyway?

When people walk away from a church or God, it's typically because of unanswered prayers.  It's time we realize that this is wrong.  The more we get into a habit of talking with God; the better able we will be to handle the situations thrown at us.  Through prayer we gain courage, fortitude, relationship, and belief.  Without prayer, we will be lonely, lost and broken.  Prayer and having a relationship go hand in hand in loving and worshiping Christ.  If you're lacking faith today, ask God for it.  If you aren't sure He's near, ask Him to reveal Himself.  And if the mountains look to steep, ask Him to climb them with you.

He might not answer every prayer with a yes.  But if you look closely, I'm sure He has left you a small reminder of His great power.  I like to call them rainbows because they come out of nowhere and they are beautiful.  Take some time today to pray for God's will in your life.  He always fulfills the promises that directly align with His will.

John 17: 1-4 NKJV:

    Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come.  Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.  And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.  I have glorified You on the earth.  I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.  And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

My prayer today:

O, LORD, show the masses the power of prayer.  Reign down the Holy Spirit and fulfill your will on our lives.  Help us to see you in all things and to find the most powerful part of our walks through prayer.  We lack courage, fortitude and belief.  Often you must find yourself disgusted in our inability to believe and have faith.  The only way we are every going to be truly with You is if we align our will to Your will.  Help us do that today.  Give us the ability to surrender our wants to gain Your wants.  It's a hard and selfish road on this earth so we need our Savior to guide us on this journey and help lift us up.  Please provide Your mighty power today as we walk and talk with You.  All we desire is to be in Your will today.  Thank You for Your sacrifice and giving us the ability to have communion with You anywhere!  In Jesus name, AMEN

No comments:

Post a Comment