Praying for More

Do I really need to pray for more help, more strength, and more insight from God? As you ponder this, ask yourself if you really need more from God. II Corinthians 12:9 says, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Knowing verses like these and functionally trusting them to live are two very different things. Is His grace sufficient for YOU in  every difficulty and do you know how it works?

a) Know and understand how to apply sound doctrine written to us (II Tim. 2:15): Hebrews 4:12 helps us understand that the Word is our power and wisdom and is a real help in every circumstance we encounter: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Paul’s instruction (Romans-Philemon), written directly to the Body, forms an edifice or structure of doctrine within us to be our personal power/wisdom resource. Read, believe, and walk by faith, relying on God, setting aside worldly distractions.

b) Trust Christ when problems come: Know God is on our side, for us, and gracious, powerful and wise. We’ve been given all we need to stand fast and walk out what we have learned: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us… Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword… Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom. 8:31,35,37) It’s not easy to walk by faith.

c) His wisdom/power enables us to walk by faith through any challenge: As we recognize our provision of being “In Christ” and trust His Word within to be our wisdom and power, then we can yield and walk through any adversity. His grace is fully sufficient, but we may need to grow in our trust or reliance upon God to work within us. Stop focusing on circumstances or possible problems, asking God for more… trust! Even if we suffer and die, it’s a win-win. All works for us. (Rom. 8:28) We will go to heaven to live with Him: our hope (confident expectation).