In the amplified Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reads: ' Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]...' Do you ever find this hard to do? Paul is writing to the church people in Thessalonians and telling them to pray ALL the time and never stop!
How do you do that?
It takes persistence and perseverance and time.
Is there something that you have been praying about for a very, very, very long time? Do you feel like giving up? do you ever run out of stuff to say to God? Are you getting mad at God? One famous Pastor I know says that it's ok to be mad at God because HE can handle it. But you cannot stay mad at God. Work through it, now. God only has your best interest in mind.Don't give up on God since, He will not ever give up on you! He reaches out to you lovingly and wants to lavish that love on you beyond your comprehension.
It is easy to fall into asking God questions unnecessary questions:
“God, why do I have to wait so long?”
“Do you hear me God?”
“God, are you there?”
“God, do I not deserve the answer?”
“God? Where are you?”
I had an epiphany last year about unanswered prayer: sometimes, it is not about me waiting on God, but God is waiting on me. Get ready and stay ready. Strength training goes deeper.
Are you ready for God to answer your prayer? Are you asking God for something that you are completely unprepared for?
For example: Let's say I am asking God for a car, but I do not have a place to park it. Or I do not have a job with income to pay for the insurance, gas, and upkeep. Or I do not have a license to drive. This proves me unprepared to own or even drive a car. Get ready for the answer to your own prayers.
It is true that God can do what HE can do, but He will not do what you can do. Have you ever heard the saying that God helps those who help themselves? To me, this means: you take one step towards God and He will take two or more steps towards you.
Paul said that he had to work out his salvation. (Philippians 2:12). I do not believe in the philosophy once saved always saved. The Bible is clear that this is a daily walk with God. Everyday, I am required to ask God to purify my heart, cleanse me from any sin that I have committed knowingly or unknowingly, and to make sure that the old me is still dead to sin and that my newly created self in the Lord is alive and thriving in His kingdom.
Relationships take work. My relationship with God takes work, time, and effort. Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage. He will strengthen your heart. (Psalm 27:14).
Seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness then all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33). Are you asking God to do or be something that He is not? Is what you are asking God to do really pleasing to Him? Is it within His will and plan for your life? And remember that God's plans are never to harm us! (Jeremiah 29:11).
Or perhaps this is the case for you: not only does God enjoy your company, which He does, but He may be wanting you to go deeper in your prayer life with Him. Perhaps He is preparing you to be come an intercessor! Learn how to pray effectively. Jesus said:
Or perhaps this is the case for you: not only does God enjoy your company, which He does, but He may be wanting you to go deeper in your prayer life with Him. Perhaps He is preparing you to be come an intercessor! Learn how to pray effectively. Jesus said:
I encourage you to pray this prayer and ask God to show you how to pray better. Remember, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled! (Matthew 5:6)
Thought: If you were to stop waiting on God will you regret it in the future?
Read: Matthew 5-7, Galatians 6:9-10, Ephesians 6:13-18
Prayer: Lord God, please give me the wisdom and the strength to continue standing in the gap and teach me how to pray. Teach me how to love You better and to serve You better. Breathe on me Holy Ghost! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Song in my Head: 'Devil, you can't have my mind! You can stop wastin' yo' time! Devil, you won't steal my peace, 'cause victory belongs to me! I'm back! Yes, I'm back wit' a smile on my face!' -Lonnie Hunter & Structure
No comments:
Post a Comment