As I am sure we all know, our world today is in pretty severe trouble. However, positives like the almost unanimous "yes" vote on Amendment 1 give me hope for our country's future. Despite the good that will hopefully come from things such as that, sin and chaos still lie all around us.
You might be saying, "I can't do anything. I am just one person." Or you might be telling yourself, "I can't even vote. How am I supposed to help an entire country?" or "The United States is already in trouble. We're not going to get out of it anytime soon."
The answer is quite the opposite of what most might think. Even if you are unable to vote, you are not unable to make a difference or constitute change. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 the Bible says, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way, This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Regardless of whether you disagree or agree with the views or beliefs of the government, they are in authority over us. As believers, we are called to pray for those in authority over us, because it is pleasing to God. Our main desire should be to please Him and stay humble, free from our earthly desires and entanglements.
Not only are we called to pray for those in authority, but anyone and everyone we may encounter. I once had someone explain it to me like this:
How much do you have to hate someone to not pray for them or even try to witness to them, resulting in their eternal suffering in Hell? We should be responsible for our enemy's salvation--not his or her demise involving eternal separation from our Creator.
When it is laid on your heart to pray for someone, you should proceed fervently. James 4:17 states, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." If you know you should hold the door open for that older lady whom is in a wheelchair and you simply do not because you are in a rush, would that please God? I don't possibly see how. We are called to glorify God and exemplify Him in our actions and words. Matthew 5:14 says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." On account of this, we should live the lives that God has given us to glorify Him instead of avoiding Him, ignoring Him, or constantly pushing Him from our thoughts.
Lastly, we can pray about anything. You can pray for a good parking spot at church, a raise, a better relationship with a family member, or even that random guy you just saw on the street who looks heavy hearted and weary. And if you are that burdened person, then remember that things will get better. Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." No situation or request is too petty or hard to present to God. In fact, God wants to carry all of our burdens. The key? We must let Him. A constant state of prayer is beneficial when going around everyday life. Simply put, no prayer is ever a waste.
On that note of thanksgiving and such, I hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Feel free to leave comments or thought below. Thanks for reading and have a blessed week!
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M
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Coming soon: Missions Minded
