“Never stop praying.” I Thessalonians 5:17 NLT

P.U.S.H.

Pray Until Something Happens.

I first read the above acronym and definition in a favorite novel. Delightfully, it was the character of a small child reminding an adult of the need to pray without ceasing. Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the need to “never stop praying.”

But just how often do we humans obey this exhortation?

Do we often allow ourselves to become bitter because prayers are not answered how and when we think is best?

What about those hours, even years of our lives consumed by lifting the same prayer request heavenward? The child who has lived with a serious disease his whole life. The soul who has hardened his heart and refuses God’s grace and salvation.  When life’s circumstances NEVER seem to change no matter how many prayers are sent up.

Frustration is understandable when we do not see any change, or any progress.

Yet, how generous our heavenly Father is to not get frustrated with us. He sees the whole picture.  We see only a fragment. (And sometimes only a fragmented fragment at that.)

How should we approach God with the same prayer, day after day, year after year?

With joy.

I Thessalonians 5:16 says we are to ‘always be joyful.’  Not joyful just while enjoying blessing, or joyful when life is fantastic.

“Always be joyful,” period.

With a joyful heart, pray.  Joyous because I know God and He knows me.  Joyful because He is good and only wants the very best for me.

Yes, we can always be joyful when our attention is on our eternal destination and not simply focused on today’s journey.

Yes, we can be joyful, and, with God’s help, be joyful in every circumstance.  And with the correct focus, we can joyfully Pray Until Something Happens.

Reflections:

What prayers have I abandoned, having prayed them too long with seemingly no avail?

Read Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

He promises us an answer!  It just may not be revealed in our timing.

How can I renew my stamina to pray until something happens?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your promise to never leave me, nor forsake me.  Thank You that You hear my prayers, and You want only the very best for me.  Please teach me how to patiently wait on and trust in You.  Thank You that You are indeed good. Amen.

 

Thanks for reading!  Please return by Monday, April 20, for the next post.