i know it shouldn't be like that, but sometimes {often} my attitude is exactly that.
prayer is a last resort.
when i can't help in my own strength, i guess i have to pray.
being miles and miles away from family and friends has been challenging me on this front.
when i read emails from close friends telling me of tragedy or illness or hard times i feel frustrated.
frustrated that i can't be there to bring a meal or babysit or take them out for coffee.
why is it that i feel that these things are more valuable than praying for them?
i have access to the Creator of the Universe who loves me and cares for me and my friends in a way i never could, and instead of talking to Him i want to bake some food?
this is so messed up.
i am not doing so great on the whole ephesians 6:18 front.
and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. with this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
and so God has removed me from being able to help people physically - on my on strength - and is causing me to rely on Him to meet the needs of the people i love. instead of me meeting their needs.
God,
You are the Wonderful Counselor. You have a better listening ear than I. Your words are infinitely wise.
You are the Mighty God. You are all-powerful. Kings and Rulers are only in positions of power because YOU have put them there. There is no situation that surprises you or catches you off-guard.
You are the Everlasting Father. Like an earthly father comforts a hurt child, you bring comfort to Your hurting and broken children.
You are the Prince of Peace. You calm the unsettled spirit and restore Hope.
Thank you for sending Jesus. The rescuer. Thank you for sending Him to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and to release the prisoners from darkness.
And thank you that when I am weak, when I am forced to rely on YOU instead of ME, only then am I strong.
This Christmas would you be all that you promised to be for those who are grieving, hurting, sick and vulnerable?
Thank you for Jesus.
Amen.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteGoodness I needed this!
ReplyDeleteI've been learning this lesson too... Even though I am here close to people who could use my tangible help, I often feel "helpless" to be hands and feet because of having 4 kids and a husband with a busy schedule. And I often feel guilty for giving most or all of my energies to my family. But God has been showing me that he does hear prayer and that it really does matter - maybe more than the meal I could have made. I think it's hard not to feel guilty about the things we wish we could do and that our hearts long to do, but thankfully we have a God who is so much more capable than us. Your prayers matter so much.
ReplyDeleteJen
Taking some time to catch up on your blog...
ReplyDeleteAlthough we would LOVE something baked from you, we feel your love and support and prayers from afar. I'm not sure if you were thinking of us in this post but we are so thankful for prayers on our behalf by people around the world- including Uganda! :)
Your prayer is beautiful... I am overwhelmed with peace, hope, joy, awe as I read it... again... and will again. I think I will write it out and put it somewhere where I can see it more often.
Thank you Vanessa for your heart... shared.