Devotionals

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When Seeking Assistance
© 2012

by

Stephen A. Peterson



I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

--Philippians 4:13


United States Army Staff Sergeant Wilma Crawford, though deployed to Iraq, had every day filled with worthy causes directed to the betterment of humankind. Monday, a visit to an Iraqi citizen in the unit’s military hospital; Tuesday, take donated clothing to a local orphanage; Wednesday, Bible study classes with unit service personnel…and so forth. At times, Sergeant Crawford was exhausted at the end of the day she, at times, questioned her humanitarian work: “Have I done more than what God wanted me to do? I think that’s why I sometimes have these headaches and can’t sleep”.

Sergeant Crawford thought: “Maybe I need to pray about everything I’m doing. Maybe God will send me some help. Maybe I need to drop all this work.”

While visiting the make shift Brigade library, Sergeant Crawford came across a quotation from a book with a quotation of clergyman Phillips Brooks. Pastor Brooks stated, “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be made stronger. Do not pray for challenges equal to your God given talents. Pray for powers equal to the tasks God has elected to give you.”

Pastor Brooks’ words made Sergeant Crawford realized something. That she was praying for all of the wrong things as well as for the wrong reasons. Rather than pray for her will to be fulfilled, she decided to pray for guidance. She also realizes the problem was not one of too much to do, but of attitude and a lack of faith. Instead of praying for a few responsibilities, why not ask Him for help.


Prayer: Lord, help me to remember who is in control.

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