Devotionals

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Once upon a time there was a man very prideful of his good works. He was especially pleased with his abilities to draw lessons from the Bible in a way that brought new understanding for others and he could do so with very little effort or study. As a teacher, he was usually able to prepare a lesson in less than an hour. His most satisfying moments were when someone, a parent or a student, would bring special attention to his teaching skills. Any comment would bring his pride and self esteem to new levels.

On the other hand, if time passed without recognition, his mood would deepen and sour. It was only in these darker moments when he would turn to God in prayer. The prayers were generally a litany of self-righteous observations about his narrow-minded church members and long lists of needs he expected God to fulfill. The darkness usually didn't last very long because fellow church-goers would eventually see his despondency growing and would lovingly reach out and remind him of his valuable contributions to the church. Once his pride was again being satisfied his attitude would lighten and his ministry efforts renewed. To him, this was a life of answered prayer.

Then a time came when nothing would renew his spirits. His life was crumbling around him. It began with an argument at work that led to his boss having to let him go for "irreconcilable differences." He was angry with the loss but quickly decided that this change in his life could open new opportunities where he would be more appreciated for his contributions. This optimistic outlook soon faded as the reality of lost income began to fill his heart with worry. He constantly lashed out in anger and frustration at his wife and family. Soon his wife warned him that their marriage would end if he did not find a way to control his anger.

With debt and anger growing out of control, tragedy struck. His youngest son was suddenly taken ill and, at 3 years of age, quickly succumbed to a virus that wracked his little body. One day he was bright and cheery and the next they were making funeral arrangements with the pastor.

This devastation brought a new focus on God. Fiercely he called out to God: How could He allow something so devastating to happen to one of his children? Seeking answers that would not reveal themselves quickly, he found himself reading the Bible unceasingly. If there was an answer he would find it. In addition to study, he found that prayer became a regular addition to his life. The more he read the Bible and the more he prayed, the deeper his commitment to finding answers grew.

While reading a devotional one morning, he found a story in the Bible about a single woman living in a society that gave her no recourse. It was her persistence that gave her the justice she was seeking. As the man went into prayer asking God how this lesson should be used in his life he was struck with the realization that he had grown closer to God. He didn't know how it had happened but his prayers were no longer litanies of need but conversations, instead. In addition, he felt in control of the pain and anger that had dominated his life. When had these changes taken place? He didn't really know. All he really knew, for the first time in his life, God was close and available. He could sense His presence and feel His love.

In this moment of realization he fell on his knees and rededicated his life to God. But more importantly he came to realize that he was not defined by his actions and his works. Instead, all God wanted from him was an open heart that was ready and willing. He now knew that it was through persistence in prayer and study where God could be reach into his life and transform him into the Christian he was created to be. It would not be an easy path. There so much pain to heal and a life-time of habits to overcome but God had opened his heart to see the promises of a glorious future written permanently with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer:

Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace: Our lives are filled with activities. Our days and calendars are crammed with things to do. We become so busy that there is very little time left for you. Even if we set aside time for prayer and study, frequently our minds drift to the activities of the day ahead. Our focus rarely seems to be completely on you. Instead of study, we skim. Instead of conversational prayer where we listen for your voice, we list and demand. Thank you for the lessons this week that show us the importance persistence in Bible study and prayer has on our lives. Teach us to focus on your Word. Inspire us to dwell and meditate on you all day long. Help us to realize how prone we are to drift from your guiding love. Lord, your love for us is amazing and when we learn to focus on that love and keep you centered in everything we do, you are able to mold and transform us into the image of Christ. It is then and only then where your will in our lives is fulfilled and we become effective disciples in the building of your kingdom here on earth. Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with your love so that you are all we see. Through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Inspired by Luke 18:1-8 and Jeremiah 31:27-34

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