Pray!

Pray!

pray continually

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

This is one of the shortest verses in the bible, along with the verse that confirmed that Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. In this short verse are messages for our present situation as well as the future God desires for us. What would God have me do?

First, there are a lot of things going on today that we do not presently understand or fathom. There are things going on that science cannot fully explain. The world keeps getting more and more complex by the day; man keeps developing new ways to be more evil, technology keeps making life easy yet creating more distance between human lives, yet God must desire some order in the midst of all the chaos around me. How else would I make sense of this chaos if i do not have a default setting that goes back to the One who made it all?

Second, this then means that I do have a choice as to the reaction I have to all the things I am seeing now. Some may choose to throw a pity party and wish for the 'good old days' and some may just fold their arms, do nothing, expect the worse. Some may just ascribe the mysteries that they can't explain to fate, destiny or some other mysterious force, but for all who know, there is no doubt as to the power that is at work.

Third, my reaction is a function of who I know. If I fold my arms and do nothing, does it not reflect the fact that I know nothing about the power of God? If all I can do is complain about my lot in life, does it not mean that I know nothing of the abundant grace that God has available for me? Prayer is a outflow of a heart that acknowledges the power of God, sure and certain that God is in full control and nothing happens without his permission. Prayer means that I answer to the divine; I accept His reign and rule over my life, and I know where to go when things don't look good.

And it is not a fire service, which you call on only when there is a fire to urgently put out. It is a daily experience; something you do out of a clear understanding of the power that is available in it. Men in the Bible, such as Elijah and Paul understood the power of daily communion with God; it is no wonder their lives impacted their generations. It is still the same God who calls out to us today. He is still very much interested in our lives and wants to be involved. He won't force Himself on anyone, but He will show Himself strong and mighty in the life of anyone who comes to Him. What are you waiting for? Make the approach today; seek His face daily. Make Him your default and daily setting and your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here.