Devotionals
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 64:4
Six year old Yakov Brynza remembers seeing fear in his parents’ eyes when the police drove up to the house. He watched wide-eyed as six or seven officers searched the house for illegal Christian literature and checked his parents’ documents. Finally the police sealed up the area of the house used for church services. The small Baptist church meeting in their home was now closed.
After they left, Yakov asked, “Papa, will we still have services?”
“Did you pray, my son?” his father gently responded.
Yakov and his family were faced with a hopeless situation against enemies far too big or strong for them to overcome. They didn’t whine or complain or lose heart. Instead, the Brynzas and the other members of their tiny church prayed. Not too long after, the officials changed their minds and allowed the church to re-open. God proved that He is more powerful than the officials of the Soviet Union, that he can change the hearts of our enemies.
This story challenges me. So often when I am faced with a seemingly impossible situation against an enemy I can’t possible defeat, I allow myself to wear myself to despair.
Then I remember the question “did you pray?”
Of course, I didn’t. I am so conditioned to solve my problems on my own, to prove my own competence that asking for help is usually the last resort. Generally by the time I even remember to pray, I either worked myself up into a distraught emotional state, or I have made the problem worse by foolish actions or willful sine.
Yet how foolish to forget the all-Mighty God, the lover of our souls, who waits to help, to comfort, to encourage. It is not for nothing the apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing; at least then, we will remember to pray when we begin to need help.
Praying reminds me who is in control, who has the power and the wisdom, who loves me in all circumstances, and whose promises are to be trusted.
Through prayer, we receive promised wisdom from the Holy Spirit, which directs us through the trial, supports us in pain, and gives us hope. Above all, we don’t do battle with our enemies alone. Next time I find myself bewildered and beset, searching vainly for answers and relief, I hope that sooner rather than later I remember that simple question, “Did you pray?”
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This is great. I've heard people say, "All I can do is pray." That is the best thing they can do, pray. God bless.
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