Knowing Life's Trouble and Trusting God's Power and Love, I Pray

As I write this devotion, my friend, Rev. Paul Linnemann, recently reminded me (and others) that we currently face a number of storms. Western Alaska is recovering from a massive storm which caused much damage to many villages. Also, my family and friends in Florida are right now in the path of hurricane Ian. So, as we encounter stormy weather, how do you face the other storms, the storms of life? How do you deal with illness, or financial trials? How do you face your personal failures? What do you do when the world changes, when we experience civil unrest, when crime changes our lives, or war changes our world? Where do you go when your family is affected by the ravages of life’s trials and suffering?

We may perhaps feel powerless in the midst of these storms of life. But, when facing challenges and trials I find direction in the practice of Jesus: I pray. The Gospel of Mark teaches, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

This specific verse of Scripture happens near the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. But we also see our Lord praying after feeding the 5000 (Matthew 14:23), praying for the Church and His followers on the night He was betrayed (John 17). Jesus prayed personally for strength, for direction and help, in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Jesus even prayed for those crucifying Him as He was dying on the cross (Luke 23:34). As a regular practice, Jesus faced life’s challenges, and life’s trials, tribulations, and opportunities, in prayer.

Some may ask, “Why did JESUS need to pray?” After all, Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is God Himself. Why would He need to go to His Heavenly Father in prayer? But remember, Jesus took on human form, “He became like His brothers in every way.” (Hebrews 2:17). Paul teaches that Jesus “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:6) The man Jesus suffered and died for us and rose for us. In order to work forgiveness and salvation for us Jesus became a man. As a man he prayed.

Likewise, when we pray, we are not powerless as the storms rage, but instead we place these troubles into the hands of the One who is all powerful. As king David wrote in Psalm 27, “The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?”

Let me also say that I am personally uncomfortable with a saying I have heard from some other Christians that “Prayer Changes Things.” I would rather say, “God Answers Prayer.” You see, it is not so much what I do in offering a prayer which makes the difference. It is the Almighty and Merciful Lord who always hears and always answers prayers in His wisdom and His love. It is God who makes the difference! But He does call us to pray, and that is exactly what Jesus does time and again during His life on earth. It is a great example for us to follow.

While in hunting camp last week we continued a long-time practice of daily devotions, of Bible readings and prayer. I discussed with my hunting partner, Wayne Mize, how we personally pray. Wayne’s practice is to pray as he goes to bed at night. On the other hand, I like to start my day with reading the Scriptures, with devotions, and with prayer. However, both of us are regular in prayer life, perhaps because of the trials we face, and also because we trust the Lord has power and wisdom where we lack power and wisdom.

As the children of God face the storms of life we are not helpless, nor are we without hope. The Lord, the Creator of Heaven and earth, Who loves us and Who sent His only-begotten Son for us, Who empowers us by His Spirit, this Lord invites us to call upon Him and He promises to hear and to answer. Let us pray!