A Prayerful Response

We live in a day where it is very easy to be involved in one another’s lives. Social media allows loved ones who live hundreds of miles away from one another feel as if they are just down the street. Staying in touch and being connected with one another is obviously important- which is the way God designed for us to be. Being connected with many people allows you to see their lives and what they may be celebrating or even mourning over. Whichever it may be, our responses to one another as Christians, whether it be in victory or defeat, is important.
Sometimes life seems to be lived in polar opposites. There are times in life when we experience life’s victories and enjoy harmonious relationships with those around us. Then there are times when everything seems to be falling apart. Life’s victories seem to disappear- you lost your job, that family member you love dearly betrayed you once more, that friend let you down, a precious loved one passes away, and the list can continue. I have experienced this wide spectrum of circumstances in my own life and I have seen it happen in the lives of others as well. Life is sticky and difficult at times, but we are not left without hope. Thankfully we serve a God that never changes (Malachi 3:6, “I the Lord do not change.) and His love is steadfast (Lamentations 3:22, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail). I am convinced that as we walk to through life TRUSTING God and praying at all times in all circumstances (Ephesians 6:18) we will see and experience God in a powerful way.
I love this quote from John MacArthur. “The real challenge of Christian living is not to eliminate every uncomfortable circumstance from our lives, but to trust our sovereign, wise, good, and powerful God in the midst of every situation.” The truth is, we all find ourselves in “uncomfortable” situations. We all face difficulty and there are times where we are fighting as hard as we can to trust and hang on. There are times when we are just like Peter. We take our eyes off of Jesus and we fix our eyes on the storm. This is why I am convinced that we as the body of Christ need to be committed to praying for one another, as well as speaking words of encouragement. We live in a day where there is a lot of division, but that should not be true within the Church. Let’s be real and authentic. Let’s know God and live our lives out the way He says. Let’s bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2) and let the world see that God’s love is different and that it brings about incredible change. Let’s put into practice 1 Timothy 2:8 “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” May God replace our apathy for one another, whether it be in times of triumph or trial, and let’s lift one another to the throne of grace. God, help us to be salt and light!

Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”