Romans 12:12 - Perseverance in Prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV) Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NLT) Rejoice in our confident
hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
COMMENTARY PEARL
As a pastor, I speak with many people
about their spiritual journey. From these
interactions, I know that most individuals are not
satisfied with their prayer life. They lack
anticipation and faith, and time with God feels empty.
Most likely, this is why many Christians pray so
little and so passionlessly.
Yesterday, we began looking at obstacles
to a healthy prayer life. Lets explore one
more hindrance that blocks vibrant communication
between God and us: impatience.
Most of us have at some point brought our
supplication to Jesus vigorously but did not see the
desired results. Unfortunately, humans are, by
nature, fainthearted. We get weary of asking and
listening when all we perceive is silence. Remember,
though, that God is not some cosmic bellhop;
He does not act on our cue. In fact, if we
could see the big picture as He can, we would
gladly wait for His way and time.
Actually, I believe that we benefit by
not receiving all that we request. Understanding
this concept is a sign of spiritual maturity.
When we are thoroughly satisfied with the
Lords presence, our relationship with Him will
flourish, even when we dont get all we ask. When
that is the case, we grasp what prayer is - not a
long want list, but a relationship.
Barriers can develop if we persistently
cry out to God but nothing changes. Continue to
pray. Beyond this wall, youll sense
Gods presence, where you will find peace, joy,
and awesome glimpses of His glory. This will be
completely satisfying, even if He never gives you
exactly what you requested. [In Touch Daily
Devotional by Charles Stanley at www.intouch.org]
COMMENTARY
One of the greatest blessings I had when
my kids were teenagers was visiting with them
at the end of the day. If they'd had a
difficult day, I was able to comfort them and be there
for them. If they'd had a great day, I was able
to share in their delight. I greatly enjoyed
our conversations because they were my kids and
I loved them deeply.
I remember one of those times in
particular. My son was on the water polo team, and they
had traveled to an away game, where they
suffered a painful loss, down by just one goal. I had
not been able to attend, but he took me through
it play by play, describing how frustrating it
was to lose a game his team should have easily
won. As I hugged my son good night, it struck me
how blessed I was to have shared that moment
with him.
In the same way, our heavenly Father
desires to hear about our day, both the good and the
bad. He never tires of our conversations with
him, and he doesn't mind if we go over every
detail of the day. He always has time for us. In
fact, he tells us to pray continually. He is
always listening. Let's make a habit of sharing the
events of our day with him.
Father, I am always surprised to realize
how much you love me. I will never be worthy of
your loving attention, but l will forever be
thankful. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery
Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190707-1009.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140502-0921.html
EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON 28 REVELATIONS OF
JESUS
1st of 28: Divine Dining:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_7j1QIKqmY
2nd of 28: Pictures of the Divine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lNI-OQ7-eQ
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
