Christian Living

---

“It’s Up to You”
Monday, July 18, 2005 †


“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you,” (Mark 11:24).


Christ has always been calling us to pray. But there are times - while we are young, healthy, or successful - that we forget how truly fragile our human body and souls are. We forget that we are but mere mortals prone to temptations and easily weaken by sin. Our bodies are not that of a superman and our spirits are not that of a divine being. Rather it is only by the supporting grace of God’s hands that we manage on most days to endure what lies in front of us. However, in our human vulnerability, no matter our faith or lack of faith, it seems to be in our natural instincts to pray to some higher being asking for help when evil or danger stands before us. But as Christians we know that our prayers have a much deeper rooted meaning then just a call of 911 to God when darkness is at hand. A Christian prayer is a communication between the Father and His child. Therefore, not only should we pray in our hours of despair, but we should also know that it is necessary for us to pray in order to attain salvation and to remain in the path of receiving God’s grace and maximum blessings which He has saved aside for each of us. Without God’s graces in our lives, which can only be earned through prayer, our human weaknesses will attack us from within while the world and the devil will attack us from without leaving us helpless & defenseless, and any hopes of living to the levels of total fulfillment would be completely crushed.

However, it is seldom that we see a desperate man also be a patient man. We want God to answer our prayers here-and-now. But the truth is God is waiting on us to pick ourselves up on the inside first. It is only when we take the initiative to want to heal that we can then walk towards God asking for assistance. Does this mean that God is unwilling to carry us when we can not walk? No, because “During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, those were the times when I carried you in my arm,” (Footprints in the Sand). God is only waiting for us to have the desire to heal then as He said in Gospel of Mark 11:24, “all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” After all, if we do not first have our own drive and desire to see change within ourselves then nothing can help us. Thus is the power of God’s gift of free will to man.

Through life we all have suffered in one way, one form or another. Suffering is but a kiss from Christ Jesus Himself. As He lived as man, Jesus demonstrated for us that through faith in God all hardships can be endured and all struggles can be overcome. So, in imitation of Jesus’ life it has become by definition that fulfillment is attained not by having it handed to you on a silver platter; rather, fulfillment is attained through suffering, persevering and finally conquering the darkness itself. This is how we are made whole again - through Christ’s suffering and by God’s grace.

So, if you are wondering why God has not acted on your behalf, it is not because the well of grace has run dry. God is only waiting for you to get up on the inside and help yourself first. We must learn to stop the negative talking, the whining, and the waving of the white flag of surrender. Those types of actions only delay God’s action. When we’ve done everything we can do that is when God steps in to do His part. God always has many gifts and plans for us, but if we allow ourselves to dwell in darkness and depression, if we are unable to let go of misfortunes of the past, if we continue excessively mourn, we will miss out on any new plan or gift that God has for us. God can not bless us with a new plan until we’ve let go of the old one. How long will you morn? Free yourself from the evil one’s grip of self pity and do instead as God wants of you. Resist your own desire for the here-and-now and trust in God. He has His own time so let Him be in control. The next time you are faced with adversity remind yourself that you are full of God’s grace. Be willing to let go of old plans when they fail instead of allowing them to determine your fate for the future. With faith and confidence in God and who you are as His child, persevere! Find strength through adversity. Live such that you are putting yourself in the path of God’s maximum benefits. He desires to give it all to you.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE