Prayer Focus for December 11, 2006
Elim Christian Fellowship Online Prayer Ministry
T. Anthony Bronner, Senior Pastor
Monday, December 11, 2006
Originally Printed September 21, 2006
Prayer Focus
The way we handle our tests of life can be helpful and inspirational
for other people. Abraham's test was well documented by the writers
of the New Testament, especially in the book of Hebrews. "By faith
Abraham, when he was tried (tested), offered up Issac.' And he that
had received the promises offered up his only begotten son" (Heb.
11:17). Abraham's testing revealed that he was a person of faith and
that he had invincible trust in God. His walk of faith with God
inspired Apostle Paul to write: "And being not weak in faith, he
considered not his own body now dead when he was about an hundred years
old, neither yet the deadness of Saarah's womb; he staggered not at
the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving
glory to God; and being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He
was able also to perform (Romans 4:19-21). Paul was able to record and
observed that Abraham never tired or stopped believing God during his
testing period. Abraham remained hopeful that God would do what God
said God would do.
What are people observing about us when we are being tested and going
through? Does our lives and behavior encourage, empower and enable
others to remain hopeful and faithful to God and Godly and moral
principles? Hopefully we can lead and live lives that cause other
people to be motivated and energized to trust and believe God. Also,
may we influence others to know that no current test can destroy future
success. The test can cause delays in our lives, but never stop
destiny.
Some businessmen in the book, Success Built to Last, coined a phrase,
"Mandela Effect." This is when you can create enduring
success...because you have the courage to do what matters to you.
These men of business said in essence that Nelson Mandela's test of
being locked up in a South African prison for twenty-seven years was a
testimony to them. Mandela's resolve and ability to resist revenge,
which created reconciliation for his country upon leaving prison was
exhilarating for those men. Most likely, it is rewarding for anybody
who understood the severity of Mandela's test.
Fortunately, our test may not be as challenging as Abraham's or
Mandela's but it is our test, and someone is watching how we handle
our situations: a child watching her parent not compromise while
lonely; a friend observing a friend not pick up old behaviors during
stressful moments; an employee viewing the actions of another employee
who claims to be a Christian; or anybody watching us handle life on
life's terms. Whatever the test, we must remember that somebody is
watching our life to see how we handle the test, and our witness, walk,
and ways could save, help and deliver their lives.
Prayer
God you called us out of darkness into the marvelous light (I Pet.
2:9-11) so that we can be light to your world (Mt. 5:16). You desire
for our paths to be a way of brightness and hope from day to day (Prov.
4:18). You want us to go before people and show them that serving you
is rewarding (Isa. 58:8). We hear now your voice telling us to arise,
shine, for your glory is upon us (Isa 60:1-3) and that you want your
glory to be revealed to the earth. So Lord we are awakening to the
call because your salvation and you are nearer than when we first
believed (Rom. 13:11). The night is far spent, the day is at hand, and
we readily cast off the works of darkness, and we put on the armour of
light. We will walk honestly in the day not bringing you any shame or
embarrassment. We will make no provisions for the flesh or to enjoy
evil (Rom. 13:11-14). God we are ashamed to say that we were not
cognitive or mindful that people were watching us. We confess that our
good was evil spoken of (Rom. 14:16). We did not always provide an
honest behavior in front of all people (Rom. 12:17). We put ourselves
in position to be judged by other people and we forget that we
represent you (I Cor. 10:29-30). We may have compromised during the
time of testing because we trusted in our own way and strategy, our
appearance and behavior became questionable (I Thes. 5:22).
However God, thank you for another chance and thank you for sanctifying
us wholly; in our spirit, body and soul. You have given us the ability
to live faithfully to you who are faithful (I Thes. 5:22-23). We want
to be your example so that people will come to know you and follow your
principles. So when we walk through the valley of testing we will not
fear. You are with us and you will comfort us and help us from failing
(Ps. 23:4). The test will not overcome us; the fiery trial will not
burn us (Isa. 43:2). You are our God and you will redeem and protect
us. So Lord, use us for your glory and we will let the world know
through our walk, behavior, actions and ways that we are yours and you
are ours (John 17).
In Jesus' name.
Amen