LIfe’s challenges sometimes seem so overwhelming we want to escape them at all costs. But often the the best strategy is to face them head on in the strength that only comes from humble prayer. The bible encourages us not to impress others, but to pray in private, humbling ourselves before our mighty God. In The War Room movie, Clara’s closet was her prayer room. It’s where she fights the battles of her life. Her character had a prayer strategy for each and every area of her life. How about you? Do you have a quiet place where you can pray, free from distractions? Are your prayers focused on your family and home, your finances, your church and its leaders, your elected officials – even the ones you don’t like? Do your prayer strategies reach out to your community and country and cross the oceans to express your concern for those who have so little and are fighting just to stay alive? Every day, you encounter employees, employers, friends, and strangers you meet in the marketplace – and do you have a prayer strategy for them? And what about the people out of sight? Those who are sick, in prison, going through financial diffciculties, dealing with de depression…do you have a prayer strategy for them?
Often we think we have no time to pray. But evidently, we do have time to fight a losing battle our own way without prayer! How much time are you going to spend whining and complaining and crying? Let God take care of others. Let God handle your circumstances. Ask God to change you.
If this seems to step on your toes (as it does mine) perhaps it’s time to awaken the prayer warrior within you. Be the church others want and need to see, the bible others need to read. Live a real faith that stands firm and also kneels humbly before the Almighty Lord of Lords.
And in dealing with others who are difficult, in light of all their faults, do you think God still loves them? Of course he does. That’s what undeserved grace is all about. We all want it. But we can’t ask for forgiveness until we forgive others. You think you can’t or shouldn’t have to forgive them. God will give you the grace to forgive if that is your heart seeks after him. He wants to free you but there’s not room for both you and God on the throne of your life. when you face your real enemy who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, you have to decide who’s going to be in charge.
Pray in secret, without distractions. acknowledge God. Confess. ask, pray for whatever and whomever God brings to mind. Take your time and listen. Remember we’re not the judge of others. The theif comes unexpectedly to steal, but the Lord comes to lead you to an abundant life. Submit to God. resist the devil. Decide once and for all that Jesus is the lord of your house, your family, and your life.
Stop fighting others. Start fighting the real spiritual battle that is raging within and around you, the battle for your mind. Remember that God will fight for you. He is faithful and powerful. Whatever happens repeat your praise: “Still I will trust you God.”
Don’t let selfish pride get in the way. learn to fight a better way… on your knees and with the power of God’s own Spirit. Experience the power he intended for you to have all along!