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Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
In the movie “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” all the contestants of the contest are in competition for the grand prize of owning their own chocolate factory. What an awesome prize. As the troop tours the chocolate factory, ‘Willie’ gives them only one rule. Obey him. Follow the rules. Listen to him.
Sounds simple enough until you factor in greed and the human nature. Each of the children (except one) fails miserably because they want their own way. Their parents struggle because they have always granted every wish their ‘little boy’ or ‘little girl’ wanted. The end result was that they were all spoiled brats and completely unaware that other people may have feelings or rights.
We laugh at the story. We scoff at the parents that allow their children such power. We are amazed that parents who love their children would allow them to be so controlled by greed. So demanding of their own way. “Why if that were my child they’d realize they can’t have things the way they want all the time” we say self-righteously.
Before we are too hard on the parents in this movie we need to think about how we respond to God when our prayers aren’t answered in the way we’d like them to be answered. We pray. We pray earnestly. We pray for good things…from our perspective. And when they don’t get answered we react. Sometimes we react with anger. “God doesn’t love me” or “God is angry with me for my sin. I thought I was forgiven” or we may even doubt that God exists!
Part of the problem is that we need to look at prayer, and life, from God’s perspective. We tend to think of God as some sort of ‘Divine Santa Clause’ and the angels as being happy, goofy elves. The whole spirit world is intent on making us comfortable in this life.
But God’s desire for us is salvation and purity. Sometimes earthly comforts may accompany that and we may be blessed financially. Other times his path on earth may be scattered with potholes of uncertainly, illness and relational disaster. The goal of life isn’t earthly comfort but eternal blessing. Our heavenly Father will do whatever he can to bring that to fruition.
No parent would give their child everything they want. What if your child were to ask to play in the middle of the highway? What if your child were to ask for a good drink of rat poison? Would you allow that? Of course not! Even though the child would see no danger, you know better.
In the same way, your Heavenly Father knows better what you need, even if that means bringing some pain and uncertainty into your life. As you pray, pray with your eyes open to what will be best for eternity. God’s desire is for salvation, nothing more. Be thankful that even when God’s answers don’t give you what you are hoping for, he always gives us what is best for eternity.
PRAYER: Father God, I worship you today for your great and mighty love. I thank you that you know exactly what I need and will bless me according to my need and not always my want. I praise you that everything that happens in my life is a preparation for eternity. In Jesus name, Amen.
So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” John 11:3 (NLT)
“Your dear friend is sick.”
He was the Son of the Living God. He was a King. He was surrounded by people who needed his touch of healing for their souls and bodies. They were tired, poor in spirit and in pain.
But Mary and Martha had no problem sending him the message. They knew Jesus. They knew that no matter where he was or what he was doing he would want to know about Lazarus. Why? We really know nothing about Lazarus. He certainly wasn’t a public official of any importance (that we know of). Why would someone of Jesus’ caliber and importance give the news about Lazarus anything more than a passing thought?
Because, Lazarus was Jesus friend, that’s why. Not just any friend mind you. Lazarus was Jesus very dear friend. Some translations use the word dearly loved one, but I like the very dear friend statement. To me you can love someone from a distance, but a very dear friend is one you go to when they need you. You drop everything so that you can be with them to comfort them when they need comfort, encourage them when they need encouragement and celebrate when a celebration is in order.
Mary and Martha knew something each of us needs to remember. We, like Lazarus, are Jesus’ very dear friends. There’s never a time when he’s too busy to listen. Never a point in our lives where we are too far from him, even during those times when it seems he is silent.
When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick he was a day’s journey away. A day can seem like an eternity when we are in need. A day can make the difference of life and death, of celebration or need of encouragement.
Jesus answers often come in ways we don’t understand or agree with, but they always come in a way that will glorify God and strengthen us for the journey ahead. I’m sure that Mary and Martha watched the road desperately in during Lazarus’ last days. One eye on the road, one their dying brother. They went through the mourning. They went through the funeral and burial. Four agonizing days later Jesus came and the ‘If only you’d been here’ resulted in a reunion with their dear brother.
You, like Lazarus, are Jesus’ very dear friend. He is always aware of your need and never removed from your pain. He understands your anger, doubt and worry. His timing isn’t always understood, but it’s always best.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, there have been so many times when I’ve wondered where you were of if you even realized the struggle I’m in. Thank you for the reminder that I’m your very dear friend. When I’m in the dark times of my life I pray that you would help me remember you love me and that even if you don’t answer the way I’d like, your way is always best. In your name I pray, Amen.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Moses and the Israelites were trapped. Ahead of them lay the Red Sea. Behind them, the Egyptian army was closing in fast. It was a hopeless and fearful situation. The Bible says that they cried out to the Lord in their fear. The answer they got was (my paraphrase) “Why are you standing here crying and whining to me about such a small matter? Put your staff up, split the sea and cross! Then turn around and watch how I will deliver you.”
They did just that, and, as we know, the sea parted, the Israelites crossed, and the elite Egyptian army was destroyed! The prayers of God’s people were answered but only after THEY took action. Sometimes it’s not enough just to pray, we need to act.
If God is speaking to you about an enemy that you need to stop hating and start loving, don’t just pray about it, pray sincerely asking God to show you ways to mend the relationship. Then…DO SOMETHING! That something may just mean forgiving them and moving on. That something may mean doing some tangible act to mend the relationship. Sincere prayer often requires action on our part to see God act.
There are times, of course when God will provide answers without a physical action on our part, but even then we must be openly seeking guidance from our Father to know how to act. Do we wait, or is he giving us direction? The closer we are to him in relationship the easier it will be to discern his plan for our lives.
Many times, when Jesus healed someone it required some action on their part to be healed. For example, was there something magical in the mud that Jesus put on the blind man’s eyes so he could see? No, but the act of faith to go to the pool and wash was proof of his sincerity! Was Jesus’ robe ‘magic’ when the woman touched it? No. It was her act of faith the provided the avenue of Jesus’ power to heal her.
What are you seeking God for today? Have you come to him with a pure and sincere heart? Have you come believing that he is willing and able to save? Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and do something ‘spiritually risky’ in order to open and avenue for his power to flow through you?
When you come before your Heavenly Father with a sincere and pure heart he draws close to you as well. He crosses the room to meet you as you enter. He gives you his full attention. He may not give you the answer you were hoping for, but he always gives you the answer you need.
PRAYER: Father God, there are so many times I’ve prayed and felt like you didn’t answer. So many times my prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and fall harmlessly to the floor. Help me to pray with a sincere heart and a willingness to take any action that you may ask of me so that your power can flow freely through me. Forgive me for my doubt, rebellion and selfishness. Help me grow in relationship to you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 