The enemy wants us to believe that prayer is not beneficial. A waste of time. The mind battle begins with thoughts and questions. Does God really listen for your prayers? It has been a long time since one of your prayers has been answered. You are wasting your time. Why waste time on something you can take care of yourself?
He talked with Eve in the garden. He got her confused about what God actually said about that “other” tree. The only one Adam was told to leave alone. Why the evil one even got Eve to add to God’s words. “We will die if we touch it.” He was successful in causing our first parents to be thrown out of paradise. Not without consequence to himself as well.
He talked with Jesus in the wilderness. He presented several interesting options should Jesus decide to follow Him. But He did not! Thank God, He did not take him up on any of the suggestions. He made it to the cross where He was victoious. Score 1 Jesus and 0 for the enemy.
We know from scripture the mode of operation for our common enemy. So, we should not be surprised when we have issues come up that he starts to work on our minds. If he can get us confused and unsure of what is written, then he has a chance at making things much worse than they would have been, had we gone to the One who could help us, first.
Thought For Today:
Our first line of defense against anything that comes against us, is prayer. We have a private line always open, to a God longing to hear from his children. We never get a busy signal. We get answers. Maybe, not exactly the answer we hoped for, but God’s answers always turn bad things into good things…in the broad picture. That picture we cannot see all of…now.
Prayer without ceasing means exactly what it says. Prayer that does not stop. Every hour just a word between us and our Lord. Petitioning for ourselves or on behalf of someone else.
I have had unanswered prayers. I have had partially answered prayers. I have had answers to prayers that I did not even know were being said for me. Today? What an awesome day. Prayers were needed for someone who needed encouragement and strength. A compassionate heart, that needed protection. Resolution.
A request was made known and warriors of prayer responded. Then starting early today a couple of women began to pray every hour on behalf of the one needing the courage of David. At the end of the day, prayers were answered. Resolution was realized. How great is our God! He already knows the problems we struggle with. But, He desires a relationship with us. He, like a good Father, loves to hear the sound of His children’s voices calling out to Him…Abba, help! Or with the meaning of Abba…Daddy, help! Jesus knew this truth when He was preparing to raise Lazarus from the dead? He knew that His Father always heard Him. We belong to Jesus. Abba Father always hears our prayers as well. Persevere in your petitions. Do not become discouraged. He hears. Call up your brothers and sisters in Christ and ask for interceding prayer on your behalf. It is not necessary to share all the details. God knows.
Scripture For Today:
Psalms 5:3
3 In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. (NASB)
John 11:41-42
41 So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” (NASB)
1 Thessalonians 5:17
17 pray without ceasing; (NASB)
James 5:13
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray….(NASB)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We pray that we pray first and eagerly wait and watch. Forgive us when we try everything before talking to You, the One who knows the beginning from the end. Please forgive us for our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.