This morning I was struck again by how little I truly know about prayer.
A missionary in Africa told of a Christian who had been training to be a lawyer. Apparently because of a sorcerer, he became completely paralyzed.
Acquaintances, who have become successful lawyers, mock him with taunts such as, "So this is what following Jesus Christ does for you!" Their scorn angered me and I've been praying that God would heal this man to demonstrate His almighty power and silence the mockers.
But this morning, as I began to pray for him, the Holy Spirit asked me a question. He asked if I was being caught in the humanistic trap of Luke 4:9 -- "Cast Yourself down from the temple and this miracle demonstration of power will win You a following." With a rush of shame I remembered ... not a palace but a manger; not a miracle but a cross; John was beheaded; James was killed with a sword; our missionaries were captured and killed in Viet Nam; blind hymn writers wrote heart-music; the persecuted Church owns many martyrs; and on and on ...
Most people will have trouble in this fallen world but the sweetness of a Christ-like character in the midst of trouble is a greater miracle than deliverance and an undeniable witness to eternal Truth.
Are we wasting our breath demanding signs and miracles, and calling it prayer? Are we willing above all that God be glorified whether by infirmity, hardship, suffering or death? Our humanistic views often betray us!
WORTHY IS THE LAMB TO RECEIVE ALL THE REWARDS OF HIS SUFFERING.
O Lord, fill me with such longing for God to be glorified, that circumstances will matter less and less, and my prayers will echo the heart-beat of the Saviour.
Oswald Chambers said: "God comes with the pierced hand of His Son and says -- Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine.
If through a broken heart God can bring his purposes to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart."
