Sunday Word
Pastor\u2019s Corner
November 2020
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be Careful What You Pray for\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few years back, we went through a sermon series on \u201cThe Prayer of Jabez\u201d (from 1 Chron.4). We quoted and noted highlights from David Wilkerson\u2019s best-selling book with the same title.It\u2019s a good prayer \u2013 \u201cLord bless me, protect me and keep me from pain\u201d\u2026 who wouldn\u2019t want
that, right? Yet, if our prayer life is filled with only that\u2026 we\u2019re in grave danger!
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
True Growth, Transformation and Maturity (even in the Christian Life!) INVOLVES some pain, some discomfort and some struggle. I shudder to think what kind of life we\u2019d have if we were totally pain-free, totally free of any discomfort or struggle\u2026 We\u2019d all turn out to be spoiled, spineless, short-sighted and shallow whiners! I guess that\u2019s why they\u2019re called \u201cgrowing pains\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We should also take care in praying for benefits like Peace, Patience and Perseverance\u2026 ALL of which require difficult people and trying circumstances that challenge and display such virtues!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what are we to do?\u2026 if we pray for no pain, we don\u2019t grow\u2026 if we pray for growth, we\u2019ll go through pain\u2026 what a difficult dilemma we are in! I look at the apostle Paul as he prays through the reality of his pain and declares God\u2019s inspiring promise to him \u201cMy grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.\u201d (2 Cor.12:9). It was a MATURE PRAYER!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I guess what I\u2019m asking us to do is to Mature in our Prayer Lives!\u2026 CONNECTING with God\u2019s heart in prayer as opposed to just \u201cuploading information onto God\u201d (as some have mistakenly
defined prayer to be). Make sure that we grow in depth and quality in our prayer times! Always be mindful of the attitude of our hearts as it connects with God\u2026 Seasoned with Wisdom and dependent on God\u2019s Grace. If this causes you to think twice about praying for an escape or a release from your struggles, then I would\u2019ve achieved my purpose for writing.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, be careful what you pray for\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a great week ahead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n