Even In The Struggle!

I believe many of us do what we do because we believe even though we may struggle in the believing. What I mean is, can we not find ourselves speaking the words of one who came to Jesus asking him to heal his son, where when Jesus mentioned the possibilities for those who believe ( Mark 9:23) this father responded, “I BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF!” ( Mark 9:24)? In this particular case, the disciples had not been able to bring about the healing. ( Mark 9:18) When they later asked Jesus why they had not been able to do so, Jesus pointed them to the need for PRAYER. ( Mark 9:29) Though Jesus had empowered His disciples, I think He was trying to remind them there was power beyond themselves that needed to be continually acknowledged and looked toward.

As we continue growing in our faith -- and our knowledge of God and His Word increases -- along with that growth should come the regular practice of PRAYER. Perhaps there are times we find ourselves struggling with the words. Praise God for the Spirit’s help in that. ( Romans 8:26-27) I can’t explain it, but I accept the encouragement the Scriptures provide regarding this. As we ask “according to the will of God” ( Romans 8:27), there is also the need for nurturing a deeper trust in God’s Will to be done as we are CONFIDENT HE HEARS our requests. ( 1 John 5:14) Hopefully through our PRAYER LIFE we are learning to believe more fully that what God will bring about will always be best, even when we don’t fully understand the outcome or the timetable He seems to be using. However, though we need to pray believing, does our struggle negate God’s willingness to listen?

There is an example from Scripture that may encourage us on this front. First, let me set the stage for the account Luke recorded in Acts. The Apostle James, the brother of John, was killed by Herod. Seeing how this pleased the Jews, Herod then had Peter arrested and placed under close guard, intending to bring him out before the people following the Passover. This caused the church to be in very EARNEST PRAYER to God on Peter’s behalf. ( Acts 12:1-5) Through the following verses we read how God miraculously brought Peter out of the prison, leading him to freedom. However, though we know others were EARNESTLY PRAYING for Peter and their desire was for his safety, what was their expectation? When Peter went to the house where this group had gathered to pray for him, a girl named Rhoda who answered his knock was so overjoyed when she recognized his voice that in her excitement she ran to tell the others without letting Peter in. Having been informed that Peter was at the door, what was the response?

We read. . .
“(15) They said to her, ‘YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND.’ But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “IT IS HIS ANGEL!” (16) But Peter continued knocking, and WHEN THEY OPENED, THEY SAW HIM AND WERE AMAZED.” ( Acts 12:15-16 ESV)

Where was the belief? For what had they been PRAYING? They PRAYED, but they struggled. Still, God provided an answer that was difficult for them to believe. Can we relate?

With each PRAYER we pray and see the hand of God working, let our belief be encouraged all the more. I believe we PRAY because we believe in the One to Whom we are PRAYING even when we may wonder about the outcome. Perhaps part of our PRAYER should be, “Lord, I believe! HELP MY UNBELIEF! Help me where I am still struggling to believe.” In this honest, humble, and genuine spirit of seeking God’s help and Will, may our PRAYERS not be simply words or ritual, but rather be sincere conversations with our God of Whom we can BE CONFIDENT He is listening and fully aware of every aspect of our life.

Have a great day PRAISING GOD FOR HIS LISTENING EAR!
Carl

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