What – me worry?
No way. I wrote a book on prayer. Hmmm. It seems I am not immune to fretting
nonetheless.
One day during my prayer time God gave me an image of two
sparrows sitting in His hands. Immediately this Scripture came to mind: “Are
not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground
outside your Father's care” (Matthew 10:29 NIV).
Matthew 6:26 also tells us that the birds of the air do not
sow or reap and yet our heavenly Father feeds them all. “Are you not much more
valuable than they?”
What was God trying to tell me?
As I meditated on those
verses God’s point became clear. In a gracious, loving way the Lord pointed out
that I pray for loved ones and their concerns but I continue to carry those
burdens and fret about them throughout the day. He wants us to leave our
petitions at the altar and trust that He is working on those very prayers while
we go about our day.
Jesus summed it up this way: “Come to me,
all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am
gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew
11:28-30).
I wasn’t even aware I was doing that. How could His yoke be
easy and His burden light if I carried those burdens around for part or most of
my day? I was like a fly fisherman. I cast my burdens to the Lord and reeled
them right back in day after day. My job is to pray, not fret; to trust, not worry, and to disconnect
myself from the burden.
After prayer I headed off to the grocery store with a new
lightness. I determined not to think about those prayers again until the next
morning. On the way to the store I passed a church marquee which read: “Cast all
your cares upon Him.” Nice confirmation!
I pulled into the store parking lot and noticed the license
plate holder on the car parked in front of me which read: “Don’t worry. God’s got it covered.”
God always has the last word!
Before you say "Amen" and get up from your prayer time, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Do I believe God has heard my prayers?
- Am I trusting He can provide the best answers for my family and friends?
- Am I still holding on to the problems or have I completely released the issues to the Lord?
- Have I spent time quietly listening for His truth about the issues that concern me personally?
Can You pray for me please. My name is Myeshia George im a 34 y/o Christian woman that is going thru a storm i don't understand. Im a nurse and a mother of a 13 year old special needs daughter. My freedom is being taken away from me for something i didn't do. Will you please pray for me. Mrs.Jane. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMyeshia,
ReplyDeleteGod hears your prayers and knows your heart. Even in a crisis He is with you and will guide you to make wise choices. I love Isaiah 41:10 in the Amplified translation. It brings me comfort when I am in a crisis, as do these verses: Jeremiah 33:3, 29:13, James 1:5, and Prov. 16:3 (Amp. trans). I will pray for you this week. Blessings, Jane
Mrs.Jane
ReplyDeleteThanks for the response even more so for the future prayers. I will continue to walk in faith even during this trying time. Im praying for a Ram in the bush. Faithfully for everything hiden to be revealed thur Jesus Christ my SAVIOR. Thanks so much for being a vessel of Gods will with your prayer you give others.
Humbly Myeshia G.
Hello Jane;
ReplyDeleteThank You for your book, 7 secrets of Power Praying, which I am reading again. I needed an answer last night to a pressing problem I am having with a good friend. After reading certain parts of your book again I got quiet and I believe God gave me the perfect answer to the problem.
I hope you don't mind me reaching out and asking you a few questions. I am in severe financial lack. I am a tither and a giver. I love to give and I believe God told me he can trust me in this area.
God gave me an assignment after my wife passed away some years ago. The assignment came through Godly counsel and after I got laid off from my full time job. I had plenty of money in the bank and stepped out in faith and I finished my part of the assignment. Since then everything has stalled. I keep running into closed doors. I spend time with God every morning seeking answers and he is silent when it comes to the next step to take. I have grown very discouraged. I am only working part time ( yes I keep trying for other work ) and now even my part time hours have been cut. I keep sowing seeds but things seem to be going in the opposite direction. This has been going on a long time. I am miserable. The financial pressure is the worst. I am not living I am existing.
How do I find a spiritual mentor to help me see with spiritual eyes how to continue to move forward. The enemy loves to get me isolated and pounces on me. I am in a bible study group but they have taken the summer off. I don't even feel like attending church anymore. This is not how I am supposed to be.
I would appreciate any input you could give me. Thank You Walter
Walter,
ReplyDeleteFirst, be encouraged that God gave you the perfect answer to your prayer concerning the problem with your friend.
Second, remember that He hears ALL your prayers and knows your financial situation. I would encourage you to declare Scripture out loud over your finances, and any other issues that you are praying about. The Word of God is alive, active and very powerful. In addition, start thanking God in advance for your financial breakthrough. Remember Daniel prayed and God immediately sent an answer but it was delayed due to spiritual warfare. So do not give up.
Third, ask the Lord to direct you to a church and small group so that you do have the support of fellow believers.
I will be praying for you to find the wisdom and fellowship you need this week. Blessings, Jane
This comment was deleted as this blog is about spiritual matters, not a place to advertise products.
ReplyDeleteGlen I ask God for a job.and everything works out so perfectly till the very end.I even get the job.but don't get to enjoy that.I am not sure what God wants me to do.
ReplyDelete