Another prayer for you from GOD

John 17: ²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

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We arrived five and a half hours late for our ministry outreach.  We promised that we would show a movie and reach the community. Upon arrival, the equipment didn’t work and no one was to be found so we canvased the neighborhood.  “LORD, why do you have me here?” I cried out in sheer frustration.

I mean I came all this way to serve YOU and everything isn’t going my way! One by one people began to trickle in. Soon the room was full and would you believe the movie projector started working. I don’t even know how to describe how stupid I felt for yelling.

• GOD has prayed for me.
• GOD has prayed for my message about HIM to be effective.
• GOD has prayed for the recipient of my message to believe in HIM and be protected in this belief.

When JESUS prayed for me to deliver HIS message, HE didn’t just leave it there.  HE wanted me to act in unity with the people I sent the message to. In other words HE doesn’t want me to just talk “at” people rather HE wants me to act in unity with them so they can change their ways and I change mine.

• GOD wants me to remain in HIM to accept HIS protection.
• GOD wants me to remain in HIM to accept HIS love.
• GOD wants me to remain in HIM to accept HIS salvation from eternal death.
• GOD wants me to remain in HIM to be an example to the world.

Unity is difficult. I want my way and they want theirs. Who gives up their way first? After listening to this prayer, I know it will be me!

• Are you frustrated at GOD about something?
• Do you know GOD has a plan for you especially if you have a message for others?
• Are you talking “at” people or have you unified with them to understand them more?
• Can you accept that GOD has prayed for you?

GOD’s prayer for you

John 17: ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

 

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JESUS walked the earth and was tempted in every way that I have been tempted. HE faced life’s struggles with more intensity because HE knows what HE created. HE knows every doubt, every sinful thought, every joyful moment and every sorrowful time. HE has a purpose for me staying here.

 

• Since GOD has the power to snatch me up and place me into heaven right now, why doesn’t HE?
• Since the world is so sinful why doesn’t HE take all the believers away and leave those who don’t believe here?
• Since GOD knows what trouble I have to go through, why doesn’t HE prevent the pain instead of having me go through it?

 

Once again my questions are selfish. GOD desires that “no one” should perish. No matter how wild and crazy a person may seem, GOD infinitely loves them and doesn’t want to eternally punish them. HE left me in the world to share HIS grace even though at times it I very difficult.

 

• Since GOD left me here, I should make time to tell people about HIS SON.
• Since GOD left me here, I should focus my attention on others as well as on myself.
• Since GOD left me here, I should understand HE loves me and is protecting me and is right by my side.

 

JESUS has full empathy for me. HE knows my every struggle and forgives me for my failure. As HIS follower, I should do the same.

• Will you pray for the person who seems to have no regard for you?
• Will you stop looking at people with disgust and open your heart to them as GOD does for you?
• Will you stop trying to protect yourself or justify your actions enough so “that” person will focus on CHRIST?