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www.truthworks.com 9 APR 03 devotion archive |
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PRAYING GOD'S WILL I tell you the Truth,
Luke 11: Praying is one of the most elementary things we can do as a child of God. The moment that the Spirit of God indwells within us, prayer should become an integral part of our relationship with God. As an integral part of our relationship with God, we need to seek God’s will in our life in prayer. We should constantly pray for God’s will in all we do and all we seek. Again, that should be an elementary part of praying. But as we mature, praying for God’s will should become more than just hoping that things turn out for our best. Praying for God’s will in our lives should strengthen us, fortify our faith and cause us to step out beyond the natural. So what’s my point? What do I mean by “mature” praying? Glad you asked. Perhaps an example might explain it better. Let’s imagine that I’m getting ready to attend college, but I don’t know what where to go. I could simply pray for God’s will to be done and allow things to just happen. I might pray, “God, please take care of this situation because I’m so confused. Whatever happens will be your will.” There’s nothing wrong with that prayer. It’s a prayer that most of us have prayed for different things. It’s the type of prayer that Jesus modeled for His disciples when they were just beginning to learn about prayer. We place our trust in God to work around us and do a work in us. But again, in order to mature and grow in faith, we need to pray for God’s will in a different way. We need to pray specifically and ask God for revelation and direct guidance. Using the same example, let’s pray again. “Lord, I want your will in my life in this situation. Please show me what is best for me, reveal your will to my spirit, so that I might be obedient and follow your will for my life.” Do you see the difference? In the first example, I prayed and went on with my life, hoping that God takes care of everything. But in the second example, I prayed for direct guidance, for God to speak to me and give me wisdom and discernment. I asked God to reveal His will to me so that I might do His will, be obedient to His will and be strengthened by following Him. If we live our lives hoping that God’s will is done, we may see something here and there that reminds us that God is at work. But if we live our lives, asking for and listening for God’s will, we put ourselves into a place of obedience which in turn creates a greater faith within us. And it reminds us constantly why and who we follow.
John 10: Do you ever doubt your salvation? Come on, admit it. It’s just you and me right now. If you do, it’s probably because of a few reasons. One is, maybe you haven’t experienced salvation. If so, it’s not too late. If you have accepted the grace of Jesus and still doubt then perhaps you’re not listening to His voice. Or worse yet, you’re listening but not following. You have great reason to doubt if you hear and do not follow. If you struggle with this, then the answer is simple. Listen and follow. Pray that God reveals his will to you and that you will follow the path that He desires for you. And then do it and watch your faith grow by leaps and bounds. Not because you’re such a super Christian, but because He is so faithful. Seek His will today. Ask Him for wisdom and discernment. And then listen and follow.
Your Servant,
<*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< Prayer Requests (and Praises!): Please reply if you have prayer requests, comments or simply need an open ear. I always enjoy hearing from you. <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< Copyright © 2003 Truth Works Publishing. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise specified, all scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE,
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV.
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