Growth

Praying for All Things

One of the things that I have been convicted of lately is my tendency to pray about “the big things” but to act as if I have the little things covered. Of course, in a single day there are numerous attestations that life is very much not in my control, but sometimes my prayer life does not reflect this same realization. I will pray fervently when I or someone I know is facing a crisis, but think I have the solution to a frustrating work situation or a difficult relationship. This is foolishness. First, because God is sovereign over all – not me. Second, because He loves me and like any good Father – He cares about the big and the small things in my life. And third – His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are not mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). When I bring my concerns – both large and small to Him – it helps ensure that increasingly I am aligning my life with His perspective, not trying to compel Him to bless mine.

Another reason it is so good to pray about everything is because as God answers those big and small prayers, we have increasing reasons to give Him thanks. A while ago, a coworker told me about a situation and rather than trying to come up with a solution, we agreed that we needed to pray. When I was done with my next class, God had already provided the answer! If we had stressed and worried about it, God may have still orchestrated the same outcome, but we would have missed the opportunity to thank Him for hearing our prayers and answering so quickly. What a kind God we serve!

I don’t know what thoughts and worries are weighing on your mind today, beloved child of God, but I know the One who does. Let me encourage you – whether BIG or small – lay it all at His feet. Then watch Him work – in you, through you, and around you. And as He graciously answers those prayers, let’s remember to give Him thanks.

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Relationships

Taking (and Giving) Courage

Recently my daughter and I were talking about what it meant to be brave. As I reminded her, courage doesn’t mean that you ignore the danger, it means that you wisely act in spite of it. It is not courageous to do something ridiculous that has very little redemptive value; it is courageous to willingly sacrifice your comfort and security for the sake of someone else. 

While we all may like to be courageous, it can be hard to come by. When troubles are mounting, when danger seems imminent, it can be difficult to be brave. That is why we need people to encourage us. When we are down, their words, their attitudes and their actions give us the strength of heart to act. When we aren’t sure we can keep going forward, they help us see that we can. 

Paul knew well how the kindness of others can build one’s resolve. In Acts 28 Paul has survived a shipwreck but remained a captive. As he awaits trial, fellow Christians hear that Paul is there and come to chat with him. While the Bible doesn’t tell us what prompted them to visit or what conversation they had, it does tell us how Paul responded. Acts 28:15 tells us that Paul “thanked God” when he saw them, and “took courage.” The mere presence of fellow servants of Christ strengthened his heart. 

There are at least two things we can glean from this. When others are struggling and you don’t know how to help, don’t discount the benefit of just showing up. Your presence can be a reason for them to give thanks to God. Secondly, we should be reminded that fellow Christian’s depend on our investment in their lives, just like we depend on them. God doesn’t intend for us to pursue Christ in seclusion. Even the great apostle Paul needed to be encouraged by others; how much more so do we?

Being courageous is not for the faint of heart. Helping others be encouraged, however, can be accomplished by being there when they are in need. May we be committed to strengthening the hearts of our brothers and sisters in Christ. And may we recognize that when we need encouragement, we should hurry to be in the presence of those who are also pursuing Christ.

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