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In a weekend message at Daystar I recently talked about the incredible power of intercessory prayer. I think that we are no stronger than when we are on our knees. One great preacher of old said, “The most powerful act a creature of God can perform is prayer.” I know that we all believe that, but do our actions really prove this belief?
Recently God challenged me in spirit to make a new policy with myself and I would like to offer it to you. I heard God say to me, “You don’t have the right to complain about what you have not prayed about.” Ever since then I have been trying to remember that as my mind (and mouth) begins to complain. The truth is lately I have been praying for some things (and some people) that I have never prayed for before.
So I have 2 questions for you and I encourage you to respond below with your comments. You can answer either question or both (or just make a comment). Here are the questions:
1. Will you take the challenge (don’t complain about what you have not prayed about)?
2. How do you think this policy would change us if we all really tried it?
Please respond below!
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You have no idea how many times I prayed between church and home Sunday after you said that. But it really stuck in my head. Today I found that once I prayed about it I didn’t want to complain.
Comment by Kelly July 6, 2009 @ 9:30 pmI will accept the challenge. I believe it will focus my frustrations leading to quicker resolution.
Comment by Chris Erwin July 6, 2009 @ 9:41 pmMy answer is yes to both your questions, I think that it will totally and completely change how and what I address with people,and what I leave with God
Comment by Doug Brothers July 6, 2009 @ 11:55 pmGreat exercise, I’m going to try it. I believe the world would change drastically and in a short period of time, even if a small number of christians could grasp this concept, sorry, FACT. But there in lies the problem. People as quoted from a C.S. Lewis book “have always been the problem, but they are part of the solution as well! We only need to push past the enemies nay sayings and doubt and realize the full potential and power that God all mighty has granted us in prayer! His very own power He shares with us,through us and all around us!We need only to take this gift, this ability off the spiritual shelf and use it.How would you feel if you gave your child the the best, most powerful, peace giving, healing, gift and instead of ever using it they just came to you whining about everything, wanting you to fix it and you had already given them the gift, but they were too lazy to get it off the shelf themselves? I think thats how God feels about us sometimes.
Comment by Cathy July 7, 2009 @ 12:59 amI will take the challenge, I believe it will cause me to talk a lot less and listen more to the Holy Spirit and others as well. It will also cause me to lay my flesh aside, my wants and desires,I think that is where complaining comes from anyway when we don’t get our desires met or the way we think it should be done. It will give God an opportunity to work in the situation.
Comment by teresa daniel July 7, 2009 @ 8:43 amPastor Jerry,
Comment by Dirk Baeuerle July 7, 2009 @ 9:23 amI agree with Teresa Daniel. I also will accept this challenge as I am the one in the family who does complain a lot just to get my way. I need to put my fleshly desires aside and listen more to the spirit and to others and focus on what God wants me to do.
Jerry, you know where I work, but you may not realize how stressful my work is. I have “issues” at work that more times than not cause my blood pressure to elevate to unhealthy levels and I have complained about them often. BUT…. I read this particular blog a couple nights ago and the next morning, as I was getting dressed for work, I prayed and told God that I really needed help with those “issues” and I wanted him to help me however he saw fit to… whether it be removing them altogether or helping me cope in a healthy manner. Well, let me tell you, he helped me in an awesome way and has continued to ever since… work is still stressful but not because of those “petty little insignificant issues” anymore. Praise God!!
Comment by Sarah Buffy July 15, 2009 @ 8:10 pm“…we have not because we ask not….ask and it will be given to you…”
Comment by jerrylawson July 16, 2009 @ 10:55 am