S) "19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NASB)
O) Paul, one of the apostles of Christ. Paul, who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Paul, the evangelist to the Gentiles, who planted myriad churches and was constantly preaching in the face of persecution. This Paul, he was asking for prayer from the church at Ephesus. This simple request reveals three important hurdles, which stack, that must be cleared with humility. First, he's humbling himself to ask for prayer, at all. Second, he asked for help about something that everyone would have figured should be easy for him. Third, he asked for help from people that everyone would have figured still needed Paul's help.
A) This kind of humility is still pretty hard for me. The more I open up to people, though, and honestly admit where I still need help and prayer, even after years of struggling with something, the more I confess that, the easier it gets. Holding myself accountable is never easy, but there is fruit to be grown through the pruning of deadness. In Paul's example, it seems he cleared just about every humility hurdle, because he just needed the help of God. If anyone was willing, he was willing to ask. That's the kind of desperation he had, to be obedient to God's will. I need to have the same kind of dedication, or desperation, to obedience. Whatever it takes, no matter who must hear the request, I need God's help and anyone willing to pray for me for that, I'm willing to confess that I am still broken, in need of grace and strength, in Jesus Christ.
A) This kind of humility is still pretty hard for me. The more I open up to people, though, and honestly admit where I still need help and prayer, even after years of struggling with something, the more I confess that, the easier it gets. Holding myself accountable is never easy, but there is fruit to be grown through the pruning of deadness. In Paul's example, it seems he cleared just about every humility hurdle, because he just needed the help of God. If anyone was willing, he was willing to ask. That's the kind of desperation he had, to be obedient to God's will. I need to have the same kind of dedication, or desperation, to obedience. Whatever it takes, no matter who must hear the request, I need God's help and anyone willing to pray for me for that, I'm willing to confess that I am still broken, in need of grace and strength, in Jesus Christ.
P) Father, thank You for new mercies every day, because I stumble and fall every day, in some manner or another. Thank You for the grace at work in me, that You are changing me and sanctifying me more and more each day. Help me to have the presence of mind, to be conscious of what You are doing in my life. Help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit moving upon me, convicting me, drawing me to repentance. I want to humble myself, Lord, to be willing to ask for prayer from anyone, about anything that is a struggle for me. In any way, if I am being disobedient, open my eyes and ears, that I would understand. Then, let me find grace among my brothers and sisters in Christ, as I ask for prayer to be more obedient by Your grace. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment