Confidence in Christ

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Confidence in Christ

Scripture:
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

1 John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

Matthew 21:22
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

1 John 3:22
…and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

John 15:7
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Devotional:
The words of Jesus are so rich—but there are times I almost feel like I hear them through a tunnel. Jesus said them, so of course they are true. I don’t doubt that. However, as I mentioned two days ago, there are times when worries can take over, and on those days His words seem like beautiful, unattainable ideals.

This is the third time I have started a prayer group. The first time was six years ago when I found myself in the middle of some very difficult circumstances, and needed a support network to pray with me. God ministered to me that the only way to change those circumstances was to pray. I have also formed a group specific to my little boy, that consists of only family, church family and close friends for the purpose of praying for his specific needs. My first prayer group ended after a season, and now I maintain the other two. Having these two places to share and pray together have been an important accountability for me personally, but more importantly they have shown me that I am not the only one who needs to be reminded daily to pray for my circumstances.

Even on those days when I feel I am standing in that tunnel of worry and doubt, I need to press in to the words of Jesus. I know that as I press in, confidence can begin to take over and I can find peace in knowing that prayer is the answer to these frets and fears.

I have also come to realize that God has themes for seasons in our lives, and that He presses those themes continually. Right now, God is showing me, and perhaps for the benefit of all reading this, that we need to cast our cares. Daily, regularly, hourly, minute by minute. He cares for us, friends. He will give us confidence. Over time we will begin to see that there is no better solution to the cares of this world but sitting at the feet of Jesus, casting them on Him. He will care FOR us.

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You that even in the tunnel, You care for me. You are hearing the prayers that I am praying. You know my worries and fears about my family and my children. I ask You to meet me here in this tunnel and let Your words be life and truth so that I can move past this feeling of isolation.

You are my Wonderful Counselor. You are the One in charge of our life, and You are fully aware of the challenges we face. I bring my family to You, and ask that You will equip me to be the best mother (and wife) I can be.

I lift up (area of need or concern) for my child(ren). I thank You that You have the answer to this, and that I can continue to bring it to you as often as it grips me with fear, doubt or worry.

I bless You today, O Lord.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.


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