Month: August 2024

“Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

To be truly faithful in prayer means to approach God with a deep, unwavering trust in His character, promises, and timing, regardless of circumstances. It involves persistence, humility, and alignment with God’s will, seeking not just to present our own requests, but to be transformed by our communion with Him. 

**What It Means to Be Truly Faithful in Prayer**                                                             1. **Persistence in Prayer**:                                                                                    Faithfulness in prayer is marked by persistence. Jesus emphasized this in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), where the widow kept coming to the unjust judge until he granted her request. Jesus used this to teach us to “always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). True faithfulness is not discouraged by delays or silence but continues to seek God earnestly.

2. **Trusting God’s Will**: Being truly faithful also means trusting that God’s will is better than our own desires. Jesus exemplified this in Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Faithful prayer submits our will to God’s, believing that He knows best.

3. **Praying with Humility**: A faithful prayer life acknowledges our dependence on God. The tax collector in Jesus’ parable (Luke 18:9-14) exemplified this humility when he prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” God responds to prayers offered in humility, recognizing our need for His grace and guidance.

4. ** The Truth of God’s Word**: As we Align our prayers with the truth of God’s Word True faithfulness in prayer aligns our requests and desires with the truths and promises found in Scripture. When we pray according to God’s Word, we demonstrate faith in His promises, and our prayers are more likely to align with His will. “For this is the confidence that we have, if we ask anything according to His will, He not only hears us, but we know that we also have the petition that we asked of Him.”  James  5:14-15.  When we align ourselves with the will of God we can look for test that will follow our faithfulness in prayer. Scripture reveals that after seasons of faithful prayer, tests often follow to refine and strengthen our faith:

5.**The Test of Delay **: Will also be a common experience. This was demonstrated in the life of Abraham who prayed for a son, and God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars. However, the fulfillment of this promise was delayed for many years. During this time, Abraham’s faith was tested, and he had to trust God’s timing (Genesis 15:1-6).                 1.**Purpose:**                                                                                                             Example:** God uses delays to deepen our trust in His timing and to teach us patience and endure as a good soldier .

2. **The Test of Opposition**:
– **Example:** Nehemiah prayed for favor and success in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He faced fierce opposition, yet remained faithful in prayer and action (Nehemiah 4:1-9).
– **Purpose:** Opposition tests our commitment to God’s purposes. It strengthens our resolve and dependence on God, preparing us to overcome challenges for His glory.

3. **The Test of Sacrifice**:
– **Example:** After years of waiting for Isaac, Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice his promised son. Abraham’s willingness to obey demonstrated his ultimate trust in God, who provided a substitute sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-18).
– **Purpose:** God may test our willingness to sacrifice what we hold dear, teaching us that He is our ultimate provider and preparing us to trust Him more deeply.

4. **The Test of Silence**:
– **Example:** Job experienced profound silence from God despite his desperate prayers during his suffering. Yet, Job remained faithful, declaring, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15).
– **Purpose:** Silence can test our faith in God’s presence and goodness. It purifies our motives, ensuring that we seek God for who He is, not just for what He can do.

**During these times God is using these test to transform our lives**
God uses these tests to purify our faith, draw us closer to Him, and prepare us for greater works in His Kingdom:

1.**Deepening Our Faith**: Through testing, our faith is refined like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7). We learn to trust God more deeply, even when circumstances are difficult or confusing.

2. **Building Endurance**: Tests develop perseverance, which strengthens our character and hope (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5). This endurance is essential for fulfilling the greater works God has prepared for us to do.

3. **Preparing Us for Greater Works**: As we pass these tests, God entrusts us with greater responsibilities in His Kingdom. Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Our faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater service.

4. **Transforms Our Character**: Prayer and the tests that follow mold us into the likeness of Christ. We become more humble, patient, and loving—qualities necessary for Kingdom work (Romans 8:29).

As we become more truly faithful in prayer we will find it is  about more than just asking God for things—it’s about developing a deep, trusting relationship with Him that endures through testing. God uses these tests not to harm us, but to strengthen our faith, transform our character, and prepare us for the greater works He has planned for His Kingdom. As we remain faithful in prayer, we can trust that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called for His glory (Romans 8:28).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thy own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When life presents situations that seem confusing, unfair, or overwhelming—when the “math” just isn’t “mathing”—it’s natural to seek out for understanding and comfort. The word of God offers many examples of people who faced such circumstances, yet found hope and resolution through their faith in Him. Here’s how we can spiritually navigate these situations, and draw hope from their stories:

1. Abraham’s Life: Trusting God’s Promises

• Situation: Abraham was promised by God that he would be the father of many nations, yet he and his wife Sarah were childless and advanced in age.
• Spiritual Response: Abraham believed in God’s promise despite his circumstances. In Romans 4:20-21, it is said, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
• Takeaway: When things don’t add up, trust in God’s promises. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God is faithful to fulfill His word.

2. Joseph’s Life: Seeing God’s Purpose in Trials

• Situation: Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned. It seemed like nothing in his life was going right.
• Spiritual Response: Joseph remained faithful to God through his trials. Eventually, he rose to power in Egypt and saved his family during a famine. He told his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
• Takeaway: God can turn even the darkest situations into something good. When life doesn’t make sense, remember that God may be working behind the scenes to bring about a greater purpose.

3. The Shunammite Woman: Holding on to Faith

• Situation: The Shunammite woman was promised a son by the prophet Elisha. When the child later died, it seemed that her blessing had turned into a curse.
• Spiritual Response: The woman went to Elisha, trusting that God could restore what was lost. Her faith was rewarded when Elisha prayed, and her son was brought back to life (2 Kings 4:18-37).
• Takeaway: Even when God’s promises seem to fail, continue to trust Him. God can revive and restore what seems dead or hopeless.

4. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Trusting God in the Fire

• Situation: These three men were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship a golden statue. It seemed like their faith would lead to their destruction.
• Spiritual Response: They declared, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17-18).
• Takeaway: Trust God regardless of the outcome. Even in the midst of “the fire,” God is present and can deliver us, or use the situation to show His great glory.

5. Noah and the Ark: Obeying God Against All Odds

• Situation: Noah was instructed by God to build an ark in preparation for a flood, even though such a thing had never happened before. He faced ridicule and doubt from those around him.
• Spiritual Response: Noah obeyed God’s command, building the ark as instructed. His obedience saved his family and preserved life on earth (Genesis 6-9).
• Takeaway: When things don’t make sense, obey God’s instructions. Trusting in His wisdom rather than human understanding can lead to salvation and preservation.

How God Makes It All Make Sense

In each of these stories, the situations didn’t make sense from a human perspective, but God had a plan that was greater than what they could see at the moment. The common thread is faith—trusting in God’s character, promises, and sovereignty. These individuals didn’t always understand what God was doing, but they chose to believe that He was good and faithful. In time, God revealed His purposes and turned their confusing situations into testimonies of His power and grace.

Spiritual Takeaway

When the math of life doesn’t add up, lean on the truth that God is in control, His ways are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect. By studying these biblical examples and holding onto God’s promises, we can find hope and comfort even in the midst of uncertainty. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” May the Lord add a blessing to the hearers and doers of his word. In Jesus Name.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and unworthy lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14

Complacency is dangerous, it leads to stagnation, vulnerability, and a false sense of security, which can ultimately result in spiritual and moral decline. In the Bible, complacency is often depicted as a precursor to downfall. Revelation 3:15-16, describes the church of Laodicea as being “lukewarm,” neither hot nor cold, which symbolizes their complacency and lack of zeal for God. Their indifference made them distasteful in God’s sight, serving as a warning that complacency can lead to His rejection. God desires us as believers to be zealous in good works.

“For as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19. No matter who we are, we can fall prey to complacency if not careful. Look at the life of King David, who, during a time when kings went to war, stayed back in Jerusalem. His complacency led to his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). David’s failure to remain vigilant and engaged in his duties made him susceptible to temptation, this act of complacency opened the door to sin and devastating consequences. May the Lord open our eyes to the pitfalls of complacency in Jesus Name!

God’s word according to 1 Corinthians 15:58 requires “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, for ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Abraham’s father, Tara became complacent during his journey from Ur to Canaan. Initially, Tara set out with his family, including Abraham to go to the land of Canaan. However, when they reached Haran, Tara settled there instead of continuing to Canaan (Genesis 11:31). This act of settling in Haran instead of pressing forward to the intended destination caused him to miss out on destiny and God’s best for him.

The consequence of Tara’s complacency caused him to miss the Promised Land. He died in Haran, never fulfilling the journey he had begun (Genesis 11:32). When we venture off the beaten path, we also run the risk for less than God’s best, which can lead to missed opportunities and not reaching our full potential. Tara’s failure to move forward and complete the journey caused him to miss the blessings and promises that awaited him and his family in Canaan.

In contrast, Abraham, after Tara’s death, obeyed God’s call to leave Haran and continue the journey to Canaan (Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham’s willingness to move forward where his father had settled demonstrates the importance of perseverance and obedience to God’s leading. It also highlights that overcoming complacency is crucial for fully realizing God’s promises and plans in our lives.

My brothers and sisters overcoming complacency requires intentional action, vigilance, and a continual pursuit of growth. We must adhere to the warnings of scripture to be “alert and sober-minded” (1 Peter 5:8), to “press on” towards the goal (Philippians 3:14), and to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). We must give ourselves to regular self-examination, accountability, and commit to spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying the word of God, meditation and service to community. May the Lord grant us His ability to overcome the dangers of complacency and keep us on the path of growth and righteousness. In Jesus Name.