When we pray we are in fact having a conversation with God. Because of sin there was a barrier between God and His people, however this is no longer true and we can speak directly to Him because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. Jesus Christ is the connection and the bridge between God and us. He is our Mediator and our Advocate. Unlike our fellow human beings who are sometimes unavailable, there are no limits to when or where we can conversate with God. Jesus Chris is always available for us, anytime and anyplace. We don’t have to search for Him, His Holy Spirit resides in us. Meditate on the following scriptures which tells a story on how much God loves us.
“It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore” (Isaiah 59:2)
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” (Revelations 3:20)
“When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12-14)
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16)
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Apostle Paul encourages Believers with these words: “pray without ceasing”. When Paul says pray without ceasing, he is emphasizing the importance of maintaining a continual attitude of prayer. It doesn’t mean we must be in constant verbal prayer, but rather that our hearts should remain open to God, seeking His guidance, comfort, and presence throughout our daily lives. In other words we can connect with God at all times without opening our mouths.
“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
A conversation involves back and forth communication. It is listening as well as talking. When we talk to God the listening part is more important than the talking because He already knows our relationship with Him, our name, and our deepest thoughts. It is important that we be still and have ears to hear what God has to say.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jerimiah 1:5)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12)
“God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants.” (Romans 8:27)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
In Jeremiah 33:33 God says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” God is promising to answer when we call on Him. He promises us that He will reveal great and wonderful things to us. When we listen to God’s voice, we open ourselves up to His wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, courage, knowledge, comfort, and instructions.
“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47)
“Oh, that My people would listen to Me.” (Psalm 81:13)
We must pay close attention to the instructions the Holy Spirit gives us. No matter what it looks like through our natural eyes, if God says do it, do it, If God says do not do it, do not do it. And do it exactly how and when He tells you, not how and when you feel it should happen! Delayed obedience is still disobedience!
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
If we move ahead of God, it will not last, God will not bless us with things that we are not ready to experience. (that is what the devil does to pull you in and it is temporary.) If we move behind God, we may miss the opportunity to serve or to be a blessing. God’s purpose will still be fulfilled, He does not need us, we need Him. If we do not move at all, because of fear or lack of faith, we are stuck, then the enemy does a happy dance because he knows we do not fully trust God because fear is not of God. Our faith must be bigger than our fear! The best thing we can do is move with God, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)
If you feel at times you are not hearing from God, the Bible encourages us to wait on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14) This is the time to trust and hope, believing that even if God seems silent today, He will eventually make all things right. Be still! Sometimes God unfolds His purposes, promises, and plans to us in the quiet moments when we shut out the clatter and wait patiently. Sometimes God’s silence is an opportunity to deepen our faith and draw closer to Him even if we don’t understand.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted on the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8”28)
The good news is if we are at a crossroad in life and don’t know what to do, we have an instruction book called the Bible. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16) If we study it and firmly rely upon God’s promises, wisdom, power, and His goodness, we can live the life He promised us, an abundant life. (2 Corinthians 9:8) An abundant life is one of love, joy, peace, and the fruits of the Spirit. It is not just material wealth but eternal blessings and a deep relationship with God. Love and Blessings…
EMMANUEL 