Psalms 80:1
O Shepherd of Israel who leads Israel
like a flock; O God enthroned above the Guardian Angels, bend down your
ear and listen as I plead. Display your power and radiant glory.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
How often do you plead
with God about something? If you are like most people, the answer
is…”Pretty often!” Now here’s the bigger question…how often do you
trust Him to answer? I mean REALLY BELIEVE that God will hear your
prayer and act on it. Notice I didn’t say that He will hear and do
whatever you asked…because often what we ask for is not what is really
needed.
I don’t think I am all that different from a lot of people, and I know that there have been many times that I begged and pleaded with God to DO SOMETHING (translation: make this work out like I want it to, LORD!)…but I didn’t really expect any results.
The
time has come for us to stop offering hollow prayers. God may not
answer us immediately…or in the way that we expect or desire…but He will
answer. He does hear us, and if we earnestly call on Him to display
His power and radiant glory, He will do so!
I am learning to talk
to God about everything…to give Him my burdens and my desires…and to
WAIT on Him to answer. I know that He will…and that He will answer YOU,
also. Are you ready to pray expectantly - with faith and intention…or
will you just keep telling God your problems and hoping He fixes them?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label praying expectantly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label praying expectantly. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 14, 2015
James 4:1-3
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it because there is a whole army of evil desires within you? You want what you don’t have, so you kill to get it. You long for what others have, and can’t afford it, so you start a fight to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask you don’t get it because your whole aim is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more than a year, we’ve gone out to eat with the children after church on Sunday. There are about five restaurants that we have rotated through…and of course, the children have their favorites – Pizza Hut® and Burger King®, for starters! Timothy and Zola “campaigned” for one of these two options every Sunday, so Greg would say, “Okay, today is Zola’s day to choose,” or “It’s Grandma E’s day to choose,” and we would rotate through the five of us in just over a “month of Sundays”!
One Sunday, Timothy chose Pizza Hut® - and the next week, it was Uncle Greg’s turn. Timothy asked, “Uncle Greg…where do you want to eat? I think Pizza Hut® would be a great choice…don’t you? Wouldn’t you like to eat at Pizza Hut®, Uncle Greg?” We had to laugh at his “diplomatic” attempt to manipulate the choice.
This is cute when one is five years old. It’s not cute at all when you are our age…and we are trying to manipulate God for what we want, rather than what He has in store for us. We sometimes pray in specifics…as we should. But our motives are often misguided at best…if not downright selfish. So instead of asking God to guide our interview for a new job and to work in the hearts of those who decide which person to hire, we say, “LORD, please help me get this job.” We give no consideration to whether this is the place God wants us to be, because it’s where we desire to work!
Or we pray for God to heal us…or to fix a relationship…or to help us get a new car or pass a particular class…or to save a loved one from dying…or whatever is on our heart. And we never even ask God what He desires. Because you see…that really doesn’t matter to us, quite often.
Several weeks ago, our pastor asked us “Are you making a difference…or making a point?” It’s a valid question for all of us. I know that learning to ask God for His will over our own is a hard practice for many of us to master. We are not wired to submit to the will of another – not even to God! So we “campaign” for whatever our “Pizza Hut®” desire is…even to the point of trying to manipulate God into doing it. “LORD, it would be great if You could take this cancer from me…don’t You think that I could do so many wonderful things if I wasn’t sick?!” Or, “LORD, I really need a new house/car/job/relationship…so that I can do even more for YOU!” Pah-lease! (insert eye-roll here!) God is not fooled for even one second!
If we will learn to pour our hearts out to God…and even tell Him what we want (like He doesn’t already know!)…He will listen. But we must humbly and genuinely submit to Him that what we really want – and need – is His will for our lives…and we are ready to accept this and eagerly abide in whatever He designs for us. We can stomp our 5-year-old “spiritual feet” and demand our own way…or we can surrender to God’s will and actually make a difference. The choice is ours…what will you decide?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it because there is a whole army of evil desires within you? You want what you don’t have, so you kill to get it. You long for what others have, and can’t afford it, so you start a fight to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask you don’t get it because your whole aim is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more than a year, we’ve gone out to eat with the children after church on Sunday. There are about five restaurants that we have rotated through…and of course, the children have their favorites – Pizza Hut® and Burger King®, for starters! Timothy and Zola “campaigned” for one of these two options every Sunday, so Greg would say, “Okay, today is Zola’s day to choose,” or “It’s Grandma E’s day to choose,” and we would rotate through the five of us in just over a “month of Sundays”!
One Sunday, Timothy chose Pizza Hut® - and the next week, it was Uncle Greg’s turn. Timothy asked, “Uncle Greg…where do you want to eat? I think Pizza Hut® would be a great choice…don’t you? Wouldn’t you like to eat at Pizza Hut®, Uncle Greg?” We had to laugh at his “diplomatic” attempt to manipulate the choice.
This is cute when one is five years old. It’s not cute at all when you are our age…and we are trying to manipulate God for what we want, rather than what He has in store for us. We sometimes pray in specifics…as we should. But our motives are often misguided at best…if not downright selfish. So instead of asking God to guide our interview for a new job and to work in the hearts of those who decide which person to hire, we say, “LORD, please help me get this job.” We give no consideration to whether this is the place God wants us to be, because it’s where we desire to work!
Or we pray for God to heal us…or to fix a relationship…or to help us get a new car or pass a particular class…or to save a loved one from dying…or whatever is on our heart. And we never even ask God what He desires. Because you see…that really doesn’t matter to us, quite often.
Several weeks ago, our pastor asked us “Are you making a difference…or making a point?” It’s a valid question for all of us. I know that learning to ask God for His will over our own is a hard practice for many of us to master. We are not wired to submit to the will of another – not even to God! So we “campaign” for whatever our “Pizza Hut®” desire is…even to the point of trying to manipulate God into doing it. “LORD, it would be great if You could take this cancer from me…don’t You think that I could do so many wonderful things if I wasn’t sick?!” Or, “LORD, I really need a new house/car/job/relationship…so that I can do even more for YOU!” Pah-lease! (insert eye-roll here!) God is not fooled for even one second!
If we will learn to pour our hearts out to God…and even tell Him what we want (like He doesn’t already know!)…He will listen. But we must humbly and genuinely submit to Him that what we really want – and need – is His will for our lives…and we are ready to accept this and eagerly abide in whatever He designs for us. We can stomp our 5-year-old “spiritual feet” and demand our own way…or we can surrender to God’s will and actually make a difference. The choice is ours…what will you decide?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2014
Matthew 18:19-20
I promise that when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you. Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine posted on Facebook that her almost-five-year-old son asked, "Can you make my dream come true and get me light (up) shoes?" She laughingly said that this has been his “life-long dream” – for at least the last five minutes! Knowing this family, I have a feeling that this little boy felt fairly confident that his request would be honored… if not by his parents - surely by his GiGi and Pappy!
I’m not sure this is what Jesus meant in Matthew when he said that any time two of us agree about something we are praying for, God will deliver. We’re not ordering take-out pizza here! I believe that God will answer…according to His will…that He will do things for us as we have asked…but again, within His will and as is best for us. So we may sit with a friend or family member and pray for a new car to get us from Point A to Point B. Our basic motive may be “pure”. But while we visualize a nice SUV with all the bells and whistles…God may be picturing a second-hand jalopy! Both will get us where we need to go…but in a much different style! The child who asks for new shoes may not necessarily get the light-up variety…but his/her feet will be shod nonetheless.
Does this make sense? Do you see that we should go to God with expectations…and confidence that He will answer? But we must remember that He will always answer in our best interest! Should this stop us from coming together to pray? Should this dampen our faith? Absolutely not! In fact, it should strengthen us to think that God ALWAYS has our back…He is always working on the best possible outcome for us…and we should never stop taking our burdens, cares, and desires to Him.
The last point of this scripture passage is that any time we join together in the name of Jesus, He is with us. Surely we know that when we stop to talk to God, He hears our prayers. But do you fully realize that anytime you and another person join together to do anything in the name of Jesus…whether it be a mission project, singing a song in worship and praise, discussing a Bible passage, lifting a prayer, and so much more…He is right there with you?
I’m emphasizing this verse, because I believe we underestimate the power of encouraging one another…and in doing so, we miss countless “holy moments”. I do not think we fully realize that to hug someone else and tell them how much they mean to you brings Jesus into the equation. To send another person a prayer via e-mail or text – or to encourage them over the phone or in person – invites Jesus into the group…and He stands there with you both. So many moments of interaction between two people are holy, and we don’t even recognize it. We underestimate God’s power to work in and through us to meet the needs of others, according to His will…to make a difference in their lives – and in our own.
Let’s not miss out on what God has in store for us! Let’s look for opportunities to “gather together in His name” and agree for whatever is needed…and whatever God desires for each of us. Let’s be aware that God is ready, willing, and able to bless us and meet our every need…and He is waiting for us to be the vessel to convey this message to others. You may not get light-up shoes, but I assure you…God has more blessings in store for you than you can begin to count!
What are you waiting for? Have you shared a “holy moment” with someone today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I promise that when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you. Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine posted on Facebook that her almost-five-year-old son asked, "Can you make my dream come true and get me light (up) shoes?" She laughingly said that this has been his “life-long dream” – for at least the last five minutes! Knowing this family, I have a feeling that this little boy felt fairly confident that his request would be honored… if not by his parents - surely by his GiGi and Pappy!
I’m not sure this is what Jesus meant in Matthew when he said that any time two of us agree about something we are praying for, God will deliver. We’re not ordering take-out pizza here! I believe that God will answer…according to His will…that He will do things for us as we have asked…but again, within His will and as is best for us. So we may sit with a friend or family member and pray for a new car to get us from Point A to Point B. Our basic motive may be “pure”. But while we visualize a nice SUV with all the bells and whistles…God may be picturing a second-hand jalopy! Both will get us where we need to go…but in a much different style! The child who asks for new shoes may not necessarily get the light-up variety…but his/her feet will be shod nonetheless.
Does this make sense? Do you see that we should go to God with expectations…and confidence that He will answer? But we must remember that He will always answer in our best interest! Should this stop us from coming together to pray? Should this dampen our faith? Absolutely not! In fact, it should strengthen us to think that God ALWAYS has our back…He is always working on the best possible outcome for us…and we should never stop taking our burdens, cares, and desires to Him.
The last point of this scripture passage is that any time we join together in the name of Jesus, He is with us. Surely we know that when we stop to talk to God, He hears our prayers. But do you fully realize that anytime you and another person join together to do anything in the name of Jesus…whether it be a mission project, singing a song in worship and praise, discussing a Bible passage, lifting a prayer, and so much more…He is right there with you?
I’m emphasizing this verse, because I believe we underestimate the power of encouraging one another…and in doing so, we miss countless “holy moments”. I do not think we fully realize that to hug someone else and tell them how much they mean to you brings Jesus into the equation. To send another person a prayer via e-mail or text – or to encourage them over the phone or in person – invites Jesus into the group…and He stands there with you both. So many moments of interaction between two people are holy, and we don’t even recognize it. We underestimate God’s power to work in and through us to meet the needs of others, according to His will…to make a difference in their lives – and in our own.
Let’s not miss out on what God has in store for us! Let’s look for opportunities to “gather together in His name” and agree for whatever is needed…and whatever God desires for each of us. Let’s be aware that God is ready, willing, and able to bless us and meet our every need…and He is waiting for us to be the vessel to convey this message to others. You may not get light-up shoes, but I assure you…God has more blessings in store for you than you can begin to count!
What are you waiting for? Have you shared a “holy moment” with someone today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 5, 2013
Romans 5:3-5
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I attended the funeral of a man I have known since we were children, growing up a couple of blocks apart. I hugged his mom and dad, his sister and brother, cousins and in-laws…all of whom are grieving their loss. I understand the sadness of losing a brother. I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a son… watching him die by inches from an insidious brain cancer, as these parents did. There were dozens of people who came to offer their condolences and remember this man… to offer support to this family. It’s one of the neat things about living in a small town like ours… we come together to uplift one another at times like these.
But as I looked around the chapel, I saw countless people who are “hemmed in with troubles.” Parents who are concerned about children…families plagued by drug addiction, divorce, and dissention…others who are grieving their own losses… those who are caring for the aged, infirm, and some with dementia. And yet, I looked at the smiles on their faces… the hugs, handshakes and pats on the back we all shared… and I realized that virtually every person there is living with alert expectancy. In the midst of their grief and challenges, most of these people are trusting God to pour into their lives more blessings than they could possibly amass containers to hold!
To realize even this was a blessing to me! To see so many people who are anticipating what God will do next in their lives gave me inspiration! To live among so many people who have continued to shout praises to God even while facing such trials and adversities motivates me to be more patient… to focus on what God will do with the tests that come my way rather than concentrating on present difficulties. I am reminded of the common catch-phrase my friend’s pastor shared today… one he said my friend ended almost every conversation with – “How can I help you today?”
Imagine if we lived with such confidence that God was going to “trouble our troubles” and use them for good that we developed a passionate patience. What if we were able to face any circumstance in our lives with the attitude and this question for others - “How can I help you today?” My guess is that we would never have enough buckets to contain all of the blessings God would pour out on us! It’s a chance I am willing to take… a “leap of faith and patience” I am eager to make. I know that troubles will come… there will be days when I question it all and get discouraged. But I have seen too many examples of passionate patience not to believe in its power… and God’s power to produce blessings out of trials and turmoil. I’m ready to shout praises and operate with “alert expectancy.” And I’m getting my containers ready… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I attended the funeral of a man I have known since we were children, growing up a couple of blocks apart. I hugged his mom and dad, his sister and brother, cousins and in-laws…all of whom are grieving their loss. I understand the sadness of losing a brother. I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a son… watching him die by inches from an insidious brain cancer, as these parents did. There were dozens of people who came to offer their condolences and remember this man… to offer support to this family. It’s one of the neat things about living in a small town like ours… we come together to uplift one another at times like these.
But as I looked around the chapel, I saw countless people who are “hemmed in with troubles.” Parents who are concerned about children…families plagued by drug addiction, divorce, and dissention…others who are grieving their own losses… those who are caring for the aged, infirm, and some with dementia. And yet, I looked at the smiles on their faces… the hugs, handshakes and pats on the back we all shared… and I realized that virtually every person there is living with alert expectancy. In the midst of their grief and challenges, most of these people are trusting God to pour into their lives more blessings than they could possibly amass containers to hold!
To realize even this was a blessing to me! To see so many people who are anticipating what God will do next in their lives gave me inspiration! To live among so many people who have continued to shout praises to God even while facing such trials and adversities motivates me to be more patient… to focus on what God will do with the tests that come my way rather than concentrating on present difficulties. I am reminded of the common catch-phrase my friend’s pastor shared today… one he said my friend ended almost every conversation with – “How can I help you today?”
Imagine if we lived with such confidence that God was going to “trouble our troubles” and use them for good that we developed a passionate patience. What if we were able to face any circumstance in our lives with the attitude and this question for others - “How can I help you today?” My guess is that we would never have enough buckets to contain all of the blessings God would pour out on us! It’s a chance I am willing to take… a “leap of faith and patience” I am eager to make. I know that troubles will come… there will be days when I question it all and get discouraged. But I have seen too many examples of passionate patience not to believe in its power… and God’s power to produce blessings out of trials and turmoil. I’m ready to shout praises and operate with “alert expectancy.” And I’m getting my containers ready… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 9, 2013
May 9 ~ 1 Timothy 1:16
But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz shares the story from John 2:1-11 of a wedding party attended by Jesus, His mother Mary, and other family members and friends. During the party, the servers ran out of wine… a situation that could have shamed the bride and groom forever – and possibly even ruined their marriage. Mary went to Jesus and told Him that the wine had run out. She didn’t ask Him to do anything… she merely stated this fact. Jesus informed her that it was not His time – meaning, it was not time for Him to reveal to a crowd that He was the Son of God with Supernatural powers!
Lotz goes on to make the observation that Jesus probably saw a hidden agenda in Mary’s comment. Perhaps she wanted everyone else to know who Jesus really was as a matter of pride. Maybe it was the wedding of another son or close relative… and Mary was trying to “save face.” Regardless, Jesus could have been irritated by His mother’s ulterior motives… and her impatience. Mary’s implication may have been… “The wine has run out… fix it now!”
As I read this and thought about my own relationship with Jesus, I wondered how often my prayers really contain a hidden agenda or ulterior motive? When I pray for someone else to develop a stronger connection with Him… am I really saying, “If he/she had a deeper faith, then I wouldn’t have to pick up their slack.”? When I ask God to work in a situation where someone is sick, is it because I’m tired of having to care for them? When I call on Jesus to work in any particular instance, am I subconsciously tapping my foot and asking Him to hurry up about it? Anne Graham Lotz points out that in many cases the “wine” ran out “one glass at a time”… but we expect Jesus to refill us in an instant!
Does Jesus grow impatient with my impatience? Surely He must! How many times have I dragged my feet about doing what He asks of me? And yet, I expect Him to be front and center with “more wine.” This is what the Apostle Paul was talking about in this letter to Timothy… that Jesus exercised tremendous patience with a sinner such as he – and He will do the same for each of us.
Frankly, I’m a little embarrassed to think that God would use me as an example of impatience. But if Jesus’ example of grace, mercy, and forgiveness extended to me helps another person to draw closer to Him… count me in! Meanwhile, I am going to examine my prayers a little more closely. I’m going to work on waiting on the LORD to answer… and asking for His will – and not my hidden motives. It’s a tall order… and I doubt God will fix me overnight. But I’m learning to be patient… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz shares the story from John 2:1-11 of a wedding party attended by Jesus, His mother Mary, and other family members and friends. During the party, the servers ran out of wine… a situation that could have shamed the bride and groom forever – and possibly even ruined their marriage. Mary went to Jesus and told Him that the wine had run out. She didn’t ask Him to do anything… she merely stated this fact. Jesus informed her that it was not His time – meaning, it was not time for Him to reveal to a crowd that He was the Son of God with Supernatural powers!
Lotz goes on to make the observation that Jesus probably saw a hidden agenda in Mary’s comment. Perhaps she wanted everyone else to know who Jesus really was as a matter of pride. Maybe it was the wedding of another son or close relative… and Mary was trying to “save face.” Regardless, Jesus could have been irritated by His mother’s ulterior motives… and her impatience. Mary’s implication may have been… “The wine has run out… fix it now!”
As I read this and thought about my own relationship with Jesus, I wondered how often my prayers really contain a hidden agenda or ulterior motive? When I pray for someone else to develop a stronger connection with Him… am I really saying, “If he/she had a deeper faith, then I wouldn’t have to pick up their slack.”? When I ask God to work in a situation where someone is sick, is it because I’m tired of having to care for them? When I call on Jesus to work in any particular instance, am I subconsciously tapping my foot and asking Him to hurry up about it? Anne Graham Lotz points out that in many cases the “wine” ran out “one glass at a time”… but we expect Jesus to refill us in an instant!
Does Jesus grow impatient with my impatience? Surely He must! How many times have I dragged my feet about doing what He asks of me? And yet, I expect Him to be front and center with “more wine.” This is what the Apostle Paul was talking about in this letter to Timothy… that Jesus exercised tremendous patience with a sinner such as he – and He will do the same for each of us.
Frankly, I’m a little embarrassed to think that God would use me as an example of impatience. But if Jesus’ example of grace, mercy, and forgiveness extended to me helps another person to draw closer to Him… count me in! Meanwhile, I am going to examine my prayers a little more closely. I’m going to work on waiting on the LORD to answer… and asking for His will – and not my hidden motives. It’s a tall order… and I doubt God will fix me overnight. But I’m learning to be patient… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2012
James 5:19-20
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On June 9, 1995, six-year-old Morgan Nick asked her mother’s permission to catch lightning bugs with friends at a Little League ball field in Alma, Arkansas. Morgan’s mother, Colleen, reluctantly agreed. That was at 10:30 p.m. At 10:45, Colleen Nick went searching for Morgan. Other children told her that Morgan was seen emptying sand from her shoes near the family car and talking to a “creepy” man. When Colleen got to the car, Morgan was gone. Seventeen years later, she is still missing… but Colleen and countless others are still searching.
On September 12, 2012 - Morgan’s twenty-fourth birthday - Colleen Nick was in Onia, Arkansas, just outside of Mountain View, as a three-year-old child who had wandered from home some 30 hours earlier was located. The little boy was kneeling at the edge of a pond, caked in mud. He unassumingly told the rescuer, “I’m playing.” That he was found some 3+ miles from home was amazing. That he was physically unscathed, save a few scratches, was truly a miracle. Hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement personnel searched the thickly wooded, snake-and-critter-infested forests of the central Arkansas Ozarks for this child who was wearing only his Spider-Man underwear.
The child wandered off… and many went after him. Through tears and shouts of praise and “God is so good,” the rescue workers celebrated the safe return of this little guy. There is still hope that someday, somehow, now 24-year-old Morgan Nick might be rescued, as well. Her mother’s efforts are a testament to faith and perseverance. And this is what God asks of us… not only in the rescue of lost and abducted children in this physical world… but in the realm of those who have wandered away spiritually - gotten off track, and lost their way.
You probably know at least one person who fits into this category. I’m not asking you to pass judgment on others or lord over them how good and righteous you are. But surely you know someone you can lift in prayer and say, “LORD, I see So-and-so struggling. Help them to get on track and find their way back to You. If there is a way You can use me to help them, show me what to do.” If you know someone who could use gentle encouragement and guidance – and you feel close enough to this person to do so – by all means, speak a word of love and hope to them. You can also offer redirection to others by simple acts of kindness. Sometimes all the other person needs to know is that someone genuinely cares about him/her… and that you have not deserted them.
Prayerfully ask God to show you how to work in the lives of others, for His glory. When you are clearly led to take direct action, be bold and trust God to work out the details. When you feel hesitation, take that as a cue from God to proceed more cautiously. Prayer and a smile NEVER go out of style or lose effectiveness! Often, this is all God requires of us… that we pray for others… offer kindness… and never stop caring.
Who do you need to lift in prayer today? Where are you led to offer a hug or a smile? Is there someone you have been tempted to write off… to toss in the towel and say, “I give up on him/her”? Isn’t today a great day to redouble your efforts on their behalf… to say, “LORD, this precious child of yours has gotten lost, but I will not stop seeking him/her on Your behalf.”? Just as with the toddler lost in the woods whose location was uncertain… the value of finding him was sure. Just as Colleen Nick and others continue to believe that Morgan will be found, we must trust God to bring those who have wandered from Him back home once again. Are you doing your part in the rescue efforts?
©2012 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On June 9, 1995, six-year-old Morgan Nick asked her mother’s permission to catch lightning bugs with friends at a Little League ball field in Alma, Arkansas. Morgan’s mother, Colleen, reluctantly agreed. That was at 10:30 p.m. At 10:45, Colleen Nick went searching for Morgan. Other children told her that Morgan was seen emptying sand from her shoes near the family car and talking to a “creepy” man. When Colleen got to the car, Morgan was gone. Seventeen years later, she is still missing… but Colleen and countless others are still searching.
On September 12, 2012 - Morgan’s twenty-fourth birthday - Colleen Nick was in Onia, Arkansas, just outside of Mountain View, as a three-year-old child who had wandered from home some 30 hours earlier was located. The little boy was kneeling at the edge of a pond, caked in mud. He unassumingly told the rescuer, “I’m playing.” That he was found some 3+ miles from home was amazing. That he was physically unscathed, save a few scratches, was truly a miracle. Hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement personnel searched the thickly wooded, snake-and-critter-infested forests of the central Arkansas Ozarks for this child who was wearing only his Spider-Man underwear.
The child wandered off… and many went after him. Through tears and shouts of praise and “God is so good,” the rescue workers celebrated the safe return of this little guy. There is still hope that someday, somehow, now 24-year-old Morgan Nick might be rescued, as well. Her mother’s efforts are a testament to faith and perseverance. And this is what God asks of us… not only in the rescue of lost and abducted children in this physical world… but in the realm of those who have wandered away spiritually - gotten off track, and lost their way.
You probably know at least one person who fits into this category. I’m not asking you to pass judgment on others or lord over them how good and righteous you are. But surely you know someone you can lift in prayer and say, “LORD, I see So-and-so struggling. Help them to get on track and find their way back to You. If there is a way You can use me to help them, show me what to do.” If you know someone who could use gentle encouragement and guidance – and you feel close enough to this person to do so – by all means, speak a word of love and hope to them. You can also offer redirection to others by simple acts of kindness. Sometimes all the other person needs to know is that someone genuinely cares about him/her… and that you have not deserted them.
Prayerfully ask God to show you how to work in the lives of others, for His glory. When you are clearly led to take direct action, be bold and trust God to work out the details. When you feel hesitation, take that as a cue from God to proceed more cautiously. Prayer and a smile NEVER go out of style or lose effectiveness! Often, this is all God requires of us… that we pray for others… offer kindness… and never stop caring.
Who do you need to lift in prayer today? Where are you led to offer a hug or a smile? Is there someone you have been tempted to write off… to toss in the towel and say, “I give up on him/her”? Isn’t today a great day to redouble your efforts on their behalf… to say, “LORD, this precious child of yours has gotten lost, but I will not stop seeking him/her on Your behalf.”? Just as with the toddler lost in the woods whose location was uncertain… the value of finding him was sure. Just as Colleen Nick and others continue to believe that Morgan will be found, we must trust God to bring those who have wandered from Him back home once again. Are you doing your part in the rescue efforts?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 21, 2012
James 5:16-18
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Suppose you went to the doctor because you had difficulty breathing, and he/she told you, “I want you to take this medication and also quit smoking.” You took the prescription to the pharmacy and had it filled but never took the pills - and you continued to smoke. Your ability to breath never improved – or even worsened. Would you say that the medication was effective? Would you consider yourself to be living according to the doctor’s recommendations? Could you honestly say you were surprised by the outcome?
Why, then, is it any different when the Great Physician tells us, via this passage in James and other scriptures, that there is power in the “medicine” of prayer and living right? When we do not pray… and pray with humility, sincerity, and confidence… how can we expect God to work? When we offer God “lip service prayers” – or wait until the last minute when we are totally desperate and out of options to call on Him – do we really believe He will deliver the answer we desire?
I have a friend who got mixed up in some pretty bad stuff at one point. He was truly headed for some serious trouble. But he will be the first to tell you that “I had a grandmother who never stopped praying for me.” Today, he is clean and sober, ministering to others – particularly young people – and enjoying a wonderfully blessed life. His grandmother is an inspiration to me… and a testament to the power of prayer.
I have experienced times in my own life when I fervently prayed for God to work in a particular situation… and He did. So when challenges come now, why would I do any differently? I know that prayer works! I’ve seen it over and again! I know that when I humbly approach God and offer Him the worries of my day and ask Him to handle them, He does. I also know that I must do my part. I must live in a manner that serves God and pleases Him. I must walk in faith and trust Him to meet my needs and those of the people for whom I intercede in prayer.
The next time someone tells you, “All we can do is pray,” tell them, “That may be all we need to do!” Never underestimate the power of a humble, genuine, faithful prayer. Never undervalue the effectiveness of a prayer warrior like my friend’s grandmother. Prayer changes things. Prayer is powerful! Make prayer a constant, vital component of your daily living… and watch God work in ways that astound you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Suppose you went to the doctor because you had difficulty breathing, and he/she told you, “I want you to take this medication and also quit smoking.” You took the prescription to the pharmacy and had it filled but never took the pills - and you continued to smoke. Your ability to breath never improved – or even worsened. Would you say that the medication was effective? Would you consider yourself to be living according to the doctor’s recommendations? Could you honestly say you were surprised by the outcome?
Why, then, is it any different when the Great Physician tells us, via this passage in James and other scriptures, that there is power in the “medicine” of prayer and living right? When we do not pray… and pray with humility, sincerity, and confidence… how can we expect God to work? When we offer God “lip service prayers” – or wait until the last minute when we are totally desperate and out of options to call on Him – do we really believe He will deliver the answer we desire?
I have a friend who got mixed up in some pretty bad stuff at one point. He was truly headed for some serious trouble. But he will be the first to tell you that “I had a grandmother who never stopped praying for me.” Today, he is clean and sober, ministering to others – particularly young people – and enjoying a wonderfully blessed life. His grandmother is an inspiration to me… and a testament to the power of prayer.
I have experienced times in my own life when I fervently prayed for God to work in a particular situation… and He did. So when challenges come now, why would I do any differently? I know that prayer works! I’ve seen it over and again! I know that when I humbly approach God and offer Him the worries of my day and ask Him to handle them, He does. I also know that I must do my part. I must live in a manner that serves God and pleases Him. I must walk in faith and trust Him to meet my needs and those of the people for whom I intercede in prayer.
The next time someone tells you, “All we can do is pray,” tell them, “That may be all we need to do!” Never underestimate the power of a humble, genuine, faithful prayer. Never undervalue the effectiveness of a prayer warrior like my friend’s grandmother. Prayer changes things. Prayer is powerful! Make prayer a constant, vital component of your daily living… and watch God work in ways that astound you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 22, 2012
James 1:5-8
If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our niece went shopping for a rug for her new house. She found two she really liked at a great price, so she bought them both. She was worried that the rug she chose might not be right, so she kept her options open by purchasing two. She reasoned that she would either find a use for the one that didn’t work as well… or she would return it. In other words, she had doubts.
There is probably little to no harm in doing this with a rug purchase. But when we lack confidence in our prayers… when we fail to trust God to do what He has promised and cannot make up our mind, we can’t expect God to be front and center with answers. Am I saying that God will withhold answers from us? Not necessarily. I am saying that what we expect and what God grants us may be two completely different things… and rightly so!
Think of it this way… suppose you want a family member to help you with something. You know that he/she will gladly do this… but you don’t want to ask them. So you sit at home and wait… expecting this person to read your mind or have some sort of magical mental telepathy and know that, “Hey, So-and-So needs my help!” When no help arrives, do you have a right to be upset? What if you did ask for help, and then you decided, “He/she won’t really come through,” so you went off and did something else and weren’t where you said you would be at the appointed hour? Would you be entitled to be upset with the person you asked to help you? Do you think he/she would be interested in agreeing to help you again? Would you blame them?
This is what we do all the time with God. We ask Him for help – or guidance – or some sort of answer or miracle. Then we “leave home.” We decide that there is no way God will really come through for us. We doubt His ability to deliver and His promises… and we doubt our own ability to hear and believe His answers. We don’t really give God a chance to answer. And then we wonder why things are not going so well in our lives.
Read this passage again, and really let its message soak into your heart and mind. Don’t have doubts. Don’t second guess or hedge your bets when you pray. There is only one option. You can’t ask God to help you and then develop a “back-up” plan. God is all you need! He is always the right choice, and He stands ready, willing, and more than able to meet your needs. The question is… will you let Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our niece went shopping for a rug for her new house. She found two she really liked at a great price, so she bought them both. She was worried that the rug she chose might not be right, so she kept her options open by purchasing two. She reasoned that she would either find a use for the one that didn’t work as well… or she would return it. In other words, she had doubts.
There is probably little to no harm in doing this with a rug purchase. But when we lack confidence in our prayers… when we fail to trust God to do what He has promised and cannot make up our mind, we can’t expect God to be front and center with answers. Am I saying that God will withhold answers from us? Not necessarily. I am saying that what we expect and what God grants us may be two completely different things… and rightly so!
Think of it this way… suppose you want a family member to help you with something. You know that he/she will gladly do this… but you don’t want to ask them. So you sit at home and wait… expecting this person to read your mind or have some sort of magical mental telepathy and know that, “Hey, So-and-So needs my help!” When no help arrives, do you have a right to be upset? What if you did ask for help, and then you decided, “He/she won’t really come through,” so you went off and did something else and weren’t where you said you would be at the appointed hour? Would you be entitled to be upset with the person you asked to help you? Do you think he/she would be interested in agreeing to help you again? Would you blame them?
This is what we do all the time with God. We ask Him for help – or guidance – or some sort of answer or miracle. Then we “leave home.” We decide that there is no way God will really come through for us. We doubt His ability to deliver and His promises… and we doubt our own ability to hear and believe His answers. We don’t really give God a chance to answer. And then we wonder why things are not going so well in our lives.
Read this passage again, and really let its message soak into your heart and mind. Don’t have doubts. Don’t second guess or hedge your bets when you pray. There is only one option. You can’t ask God to help you and then develop a “back-up” plan. God is all you need! He is always the right choice, and He stands ready, willing, and more than able to meet your needs. The question is… will you let Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 9, 2012
James 15:13-18
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven — healed inside and out.
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't — not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I heard it again the other day… someone asked a friend to pray for them because “You have a direct line” to God. When will we develop faith in our own prayers? When will we begin to believe that God is waiting to hear from us… and to give us the answers we need… if not exactly those that we desire?
Never doubt God’s willingness or ability to answer your prayers. To say, “I’ve prayed for healing, but I don’t believe I will ever be well,” means you have not released the miracle action of God’s word and will for your life. When we pray, “Lord if You can hear me… I need help,” we are not fully operating in faith that God always hears our prayers. We are not truly surrendering to His will and believing that He will answer. We are operating in doubt instead of faith.
When we ask someone else to join us in corporate prayer, that is one thing… but when we ask them to pray for us because we feel their prayers are more effective, we have to ask ourselves, “Why is this?” Could it be that their prayers seem to be answered more often because they believe God for His answers? Is it possible that we lack the measure of faith that these people have? Wouldn’t it be better for us to develop faith in our own prayers rather than to depend so much on the intercession of others?
God wants us to experience the fullness of joy in Him. In order to do this, we must know what His word promises… we must come to Him with a grateful heart and ask Him to meet our needs. Remember the “protocol” of prayer… come into the presence of God with thanksgiving… approach Him with a grateful heart. Enter into God’s presence by way of the covenant He established with us through the blood of Jesus on the cross. God has agreed to hear our prayers and answer them. Recognize the full meaning of this covenant. Realize that God will always deliver on His promises… you can count on Him to hear you and answer, according to His will.
You may get tired of hearing people offer prayer as the solution to whatever challenges you face. It may seem trite or hollow… and in some cases, it is. People glibly toss out, “I’ll pray for you” and often fail to carry through with effective, fervent, faith-filled intercessions. By the same token, so many of our own prayers are little more than an empty waste of breath. We don’t back them up with God’s Word and promises – and we don’t really believe He will answer us. The time has come for us to pray effectively and stop short-circuiting our own prayers. Prayer does change things…God does answer. It’s up to us to ask the right things in the right way… and operate in faith that He will deliver exactly what we need.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven — healed inside and out.
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't — not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I heard it again the other day… someone asked a friend to pray for them because “You have a direct line” to God. When will we develop faith in our own prayers? When will we begin to believe that God is waiting to hear from us… and to give us the answers we need… if not exactly those that we desire?
Never doubt God’s willingness or ability to answer your prayers. To say, “I’ve prayed for healing, but I don’t believe I will ever be well,” means you have not released the miracle action of God’s word and will for your life. When we pray, “Lord if You can hear me… I need help,” we are not fully operating in faith that God always hears our prayers. We are not truly surrendering to His will and believing that He will answer. We are operating in doubt instead of faith.
When we ask someone else to join us in corporate prayer, that is one thing… but when we ask them to pray for us because we feel their prayers are more effective, we have to ask ourselves, “Why is this?” Could it be that their prayers seem to be answered more often because they believe God for His answers? Is it possible that we lack the measure of faith that these people have? Wouldn’t it be better for us to develop faith in our own prayers rather than to depend so much on the intercession of others?
God wants us to experience the fullness of joy in Him. In order to do this, we must know what His word promises… we must come to Him with a grateful heart and ask Him to meet our needs. Remember the “protocol” of prayer… come into the presence of God with thanksgiving… approach Him with a grateful heart. Enter into God’s presence by way of the covenant He established with us through the blood of Jesus on the cross. God has agreed to hear our prayers and answer them. Recognize the full meaning of this covenant. Realize that God will always deliver on His promises… you can count on Him to hear you and answer, according to His will.
You may get tired of hearing people offer prayer as the solution to whatever challenges you face. It may seem trite or hollow… and in some cases, it is. People glibly toss out, “I’ll pray for you” and often fail to carry through with effective, fervent, faith-filled intercessions. By the same token, so many of our own prayers are little more than an empty waste of breath. We don’t back them up with God’s Word and promises – and we don’t really believe He will answer us. The time has come for us to pray effectively and stop short-circuiting our own prayers. Prayer does change things…God does answer. It’s up to us to ask the right things in the right way… and operate in faith that He will deliver exactly what we need.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 5, 2011
Psalm 103:3-6
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am on the list to receive prayer requests from my mother’s church, my Emmaus community, and my own church. I also see needs expressed on Facebook and receive requests from friends and family members as special prayer concerns arise. Some days, the list of expressed needs is quite lengthy, and the burdens can become rather daunting. So many people are hurting in one way or another… illness… grief and loss…the challenges of aging…the challenges of youth and being a teenager, heading off to college or becoming an adult…economic woes… sin… we all have a laundry list of things to talk with God about each and every day. And then we turn on the television and hear the news of incomprehensible suffering in Third World countries… and we can’t help but be overwhelmed at times.
The GOOD NEWS is that God has answers! Many of them are outlined in Psalm 103…and I really love how this translation enumerates them. He heals diseases… every one of them! He saves you from hell… wraps you in goodness…renews your youth. Best of all, He makes everything right! I don’t know about you... but for me, this is fantastic news! I am moved to tears to think of this incredible love and protection… to know that God really is listening to my prayers and meeting my needs.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. You may be ill or have family members who are sick… you may be facing major challenges, such as a new school, a new job, or moving to a new city. You may have suffered a major loss – a loved one, a relationship change, or even the death of a beloved pet. You may feel old and tired… discouraged, depressed, or disappointed. You may have a heavy burden of sin that you are carrying like a backpack filled with rocks. But all of this and so much more matters to God… and He is ready to make things right.
Will you get instant relief? Possibly… although God’s timing is not always as quick as we would like. Will you feel God’s presence? Yes… if you maintain close contact with Him and truly seek Him on a regular basis. Will things get better? Absolutely! It may take awhile…but keep praying and believing. Keep trusting God to meet your every need. Don’t hesitate to ask fellow believers to pray for you – and with you. It is an honor and a blessing to pray for others, and there is tremendous power in corporate prayer. Flood the “airwaves” today with prayer and praise… let God set you back on your feet – and make things right for you and those you love.
©2011 Debbie Robus
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am on the list to receive prayer requests from my mother’s church, my Emmaus community, and my own church. I also see needs expressed on Facebook and receive requests from friends and family members as special prayer concerns arise. Some days, the list of expressed needs is quite lengthy, and the burdens can become rather daunting. So many people are hurting in one way or another… illness… grief and loss…the challenges of aging…the challenges of youth and being a teenager, heading off to college or becoming an adult…economic woes… sin… we all have a laundry list of things to talk with God about each and every day. And then we turn on the television and hear the news of incomprehensible suffering in Third World countries… and we can’t help but be overwhelmed at times.
The GOOD NEWS is that God has answers! Many of them are outlined in Psalm 103…and I really love how this translation enumerates them. He heals diseases… every one of them! He saves you from hell… wraps you in goodness…renews your youth. Best of all, He makes everything right! I don’t know about you... but for me, this is fantastic news! I am moved to tears to think of this incredible love and protection… to know that God really is listening to my prayers and meeting my needs.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. You may be ill or have family members who are sick… you may be facing major challenges, such as a new school, a new job, or moving to a new city. You may have suffered a major loss – a loved one, a relationship change, or even the death of a beloved pet. You may feel old and tired… discouraged, depressed, or disappointed. You may have a heavy burden of sin that you are carrying like a backpack filled with rocks. But all of this and so much more matters to God… and He is ready to make things right.
Will you get instant relief? Possibly… although God’s timing is not always as quick as we would like. Will you feel God’s presence? Yes… if you maintain close contact with Him and truly seek Him on a regular basis. Will things get better? Absolutely! It may take awhile…but keep praying and believing. Keep trusting God to meet your every need. Don’t hesitate to ask fellow believers to pray for you – and with you. It is an honor and a blessing to pray for others, and there is tremendous power in corporate prayer. Flood the “airwaves” today with prayer and praise… let God set you back on your feet – and make things right for you and those you love.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 21, 2011
2 Samuel 12:16-23
So David went without eating to show his sorrow, and he begged God to make the boy well. David would not sleep on his bed, but spent each night lying on the floor. His officials stood beside him and tried to talk him into getting up. But he would not get up or eat with them.
After the child had been sick for seven days, he died, but the officials were afraid to tell David. They said to each other, "Even when the boy was alive, David wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him his son is dead? He might do something terrible!"
David noticed his servants whispering, and he knew the boy was dead. "Did my son die?" he asked his servants. "Yes, he did," they answered.
David got up off the floor; he took a bath, combed his hair, and dressed. He went into the LORD's tent and worshiped, then he went back home. David asked for something to eat, and when his servants brought him some food, he ate it.
His officials said, "What are you doing? You went without eating and cried for your son while he was alive! But now that he's dead, you're up and eating.
David answered: While he was still alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, "Who knows? Maybe the LORD will have pity on me and let the child live." But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Someday I will join him in death, but he can't return to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever prayed for something specific, and God answered in a different way? How did you react? Did you pout… rant and rave… or mope around feeling sad and mistreated because God didn’t answer as you had wished?
We have clear examples in the Bible of God answering prayers… but not always in the way we want or expect. David had done some terrible things, and he was told that God would allow him to live… his baby boy would die because of his sin. David begged and pleaded with God not to take the baby… but that is exactly what God did.
In the New Testament, we read that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and asked God if there was any other way to accomplish His will without the crucifixion. Jesus prayed so hard he sweated blood! But in this case… as in the case of David… God answered differently… and both got up, dusted themselves off, and moved forward.
There is a great example here for each of us, and it has two components. First, we must always pray for God’s will… not our own. Beyond this, we must accept God’s answers – with dignity and grace. To do otherwise belies our faith. If we walk around saying, “I asked God to heal me, but I’m still sick,” we’re saying, “I don’t believe in God’s wisdom… I don’t trust His outcomes.” If we say, “I begged God not to let such-and-such happen, but it did anyway,” we are saying, “I know better than God how things ought to go. He should have listened to me!” Instead, we should be saying, “I prayed for God’s will. I will trust Him for the right outcome,” or “I asked God to heal me according to His will… and I know He will do just that!” The difference is a shift in attitude… operating in faith rather than specific requests and results.
There is nothing wrong with praying, “Lord, please dissolve this tumor,” or “Father, please protect my children.” But we must always follow with “… according to your will.” More than this, we must mean what we say. We must truly ask God to be present in our lives according to His will, and when He speaks, we must do as David did… dust ourselves off, dress and move ahead. We must look at Jesus’ example and put one foot in front of the other, regardless of what God calls us to endure.
I will be the first to admit that God has not always answered my prayers as I would like. In fact, He often answers quite differently. I’m learning to look at God’s answers and see that His outcomes are always better. Notice I didn’t say they were easier… but somewhere down the road, I can almost always see that He had a better plan. And honestly, it doesn’t matter whether I see the plan or not… what matters is that I trust God for His perfect outcome.
Think about what you are asking God for these days. Consider what you are expecting… is it His will – or your own? Where do you need to shift your attitude… and your level of trust? Have you dusted off your clothes and stepped out in faith for God’s answers lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
So David went without eating to show his sorrow, and he begged God to make the boy well. David would not sleep on his bed, but spent each night lying on the floor. His officials stood beside him and tried to talk him into getting up. But he would not get up or eat with them.
After the child had been sick for seven days, he died, but the officials were afraid to tell David. They said to each other, "Even when the boy was alive, David wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him his son is dead? He might do something terrible!"
David noticed his servants whispering, and he knew the boy was dead. "Did my son die?" he asked his servants. "Yes, he did," they answered.
David got up off the floor; he took a bath, combed his hair, and dressed. He went into the LORD's tent and worshiped, then he went back home. David asked for something to eat, and when his servants brought him some food, he ate it.
His officials said, "What are you doing? You went without eating and cried for your son while he was alive! But now that he's dead, you're up and eating.
David answered: While he was still alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, "Who knows? Maybe the LORD will have pity on me and let the child live." But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Someday I will join him in death, but he can't return to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever prayed for something specific, and God answered in a different way? How did you react? Did you pout… rant and rave… or mope around feeling sad and mistreated because God didn’t answer as you had wished?
We have clear examples in the Bible of God answering prayers… but not always in the way we want or expect. David had done some terrible things, and he was told that God would allow him to live… his baby boy would die because of his sin. David begged and pleaded with God not to take the baby… but that is exactly what God did.
In the New Testament, we read that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and asked God if there was any other way to accomplish His will without the crucifixion. Jesus prayed so hard he sweated blood! But in this case… as in the case of David… God answered differently… and both got up, dusted themselves off, and moved forward.
There is a great example here for each of us, and it has two components. First, we must always pray for God’s will… not our own. Beyond this, we must accept God’s answers – with dignity and grace. To do otherwise belies our faith. If we walk around saying, “I asked God to heal me, but I’m still sick,” we’re saying, “I don’t believe in God’s wisdom… I don’t trust His outcomes.” If we say, “I begged God not to let such-and-such happen, but it did anyway,” we are saying, “I know better than God how things ought to go. He should have listened to me!” Instead, we should be saying, “I prayed for God’s will. I will trust Him for the right outcome,” or “I asked God to heal me according to His will… and I know He will do just that!” The difference is a shift in attitude… operating in faith rather than specific requests and results.
There is nothing wrong with praying, “Lord, please dissolve this tumor,” or “Father, please protect my children.” But we must always follow with “… according to your will.” More than this, we must mean what we say. We must truly ask God to be present in our lives according to His will, and when He speaks, we must do as David did… dust ourselves off, dress and move ahead. We must look at Jesus’ example and put one foot in front of the other, regardless of what God calls us to endure.
I will be the first to admit that God has not always answered my prayers as I would like. In fact, He often answers quite differently. I’m learning to look at God’s answers and see that His outcomes are always better. Notice I didn’t say they were easier… but somewhere down the road, I can almost always see that He had a better plan. And honestly, it doesn’t matter whether I see the plan or not… what matters is that I trust God for His perfect outcome.
Think about what you are asking God for these days. Consider what you are expecting… is it His will – or your own? Where do you need to shift your attitude… and your level of trust? Have you dusted off your clothes and stepped out in faith for God’s answers lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 7, 2011
Luke 7:1-9
After Jesus had finished teaching the people, he went to Capernaum. In that town an army officer's servant was sick and about to die. The officer liked this servant very much. And when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish leaders to ask him to come and heal the servant.
The leaders went to Jesus and begged him to do something. They said, "This man deserves your help! He loves our nation and even built us a meeting place." So Jesus went with them.
When Jesus wasn't far from the house, the officer sent some friends to tell him, "Lord, don't go to any trouble for me! I am not good enough for you to come into my house. And I am certainly not worthy to come to you. Just say the word, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, `Go!' and he goes. I can say to another, `Come!' and he comes. I can say to my servant, `Do this!' and he will do it."
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, "In all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve talked before about repairing broken objects and giving them a new life… especially vintage pieces that I feel tell a story or still have a lot of value. I use a lot of Elmer’s Glue in my projects, and I have to admit, I am not a patient repair person! I will glue two broken pieces together… and before they can “set,” I’ll try to add a third and/or fourth piece. Often all of the pieces come apart, and I have to begin again. I can’t seem to do the repair and walk away, trusting the glue to do it’s job and merge the broken pieces.
This is somewhat how we treat our faith. We ask God to help us… to heal us, give us comfort, work in specific situations… and then we start to meddle and fidget and pick at whatever we’ve supposedly given over to Him. Don’t misunderstand me… I’m not saying that you shouldn’t continue to bring your request before God. But instead of saying – and believing – “Hey, God… remember my problem? Don’t forget now! Please, please, please help me! I hope you won’t let me down!”… we need to shift to “God, I know you are handling this for me, and I thank you! I give you praise for answering even my smallest requests and for caring for me each and every second of the day.”
See… in the first prayer, we really have not trusted God to help us. In the second, we have given the situation over to God… but we are still communicating… still needing His help – but expecting it and thanking Him in advance. The difference is attitude. The soldier in this passage got it… He knew that just a word from God was sufficient for his needs. And we know this too… or we should! Just as the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed, we need to learn to operate in the faith realm that allows us to say, “I’ve spoken to God about this… and He’s on it! I’m moving on and letting Him glue things back together… giving Him time to work… and praising Him ahead of time for handling this.” Getting to this level takes practice – maybe a lifetime of it! – but this is one area where we do need to keep coming back and exercising persistence.
Instead of pestering God about something you’ve already given Him, pester yourself to believe that it’s a done deal - that God has taken care of your situation according to His will… and all is well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
After Jesus had finished teaching the people, he went to Capernaum. In that town an army officer's servant was sick and about to die. The officer liked this servant very much. And when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish leaders to ask him to come and heal the servant.
The leaders went to Jesus and begged him to do something. They said, "This man deserves your help! He loves our nation and even built us a meeting place." So Jesus went with them.
When Jesus wasn't far from the house, the officer sent some friends to tell him, "Lord, don't go to any trouble for me! I am not good enough for you to come into my house. And I am certainly not worthy to come to you. Just say the word, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, `Go!' and he goes. I can say to another, `Come!' and he comes. I can say to my servant, `Do this!' and he will do it."
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, "In all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve talked before about repairing broken objects and giving them a new life… especially vintage pieces that I feel tell a story or still have a lot of value. I use a lot of Elmer’s Glue in my projects, and I have to admit, I am not a patient repair person! I will glue two broken pieces together… and before they can “set,” I’ll try to add a third and/or fourth piece. Often all of the pieces come apart, and I have to begin again. I can’t seem to do the repair and walk away, trusting the glue to do it’s job and merge the broken pieces.
This is somewhat how we treat our faith. We ask God to help us… to heal us, give us comfort, work in specific situations… and then we start to meddle and fidget and pick at whatever we’ve supposedly given over to Him. Don’t misunderstand me… I’m not saying that you shouldn’t continue to bring your request before God. But instead of saying – and believing – “Hey, God… remember my problem? Don’t forget now! Please, please, please help me! I hope you won’t let me down!”… we need to shift to “God, I know you are handling this for me, and I thank you! I give you praise for answering even my smallest requests and for caring for me each and every second of the day.”
See… in the first prayer, we really have not trusted God to help us. In the second, we have given the situation over to God… but we are still communicating… still needing His help – but expecting it and thanking Him in advance. The difference is attitude. The soldier in this passage got it… He knew that just a word from God was sufficient for his needs. And we know this too… or we should! Just as the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed, we need to learn to operate in the faith realm that allows us to say, “I’ve spoken to God about this… and He’s on it! I’m moving on and letting Him glue things back together… giving Him time to work… and praising Him ahead of time for handling this.” Getting to this level takes practice – maybe a lifetime of it! – but this is one area where we do need to keep coming back and exercising persistence.
Instead of pestering God about something you’ve already given Him, pester yourself to believe that it’s a done deal - that God has taken care of your situation according to His will… and all is well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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