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Prayer And Thoughts For Shut-Ins
Christians need to remember to pray for those friends and acquaintances with illness that confines them at home, and for their Care-givers. As we were recently reminded by Praise And Prayer Alert: we should make a time to at least call those associated with our church fellowship to see how they are doing; keep them updated on events they might like to know about; offer to run a few errands for them; maybe offer to stay with a shut-in so their Care-giver might get time to go somewhere; etc.. There are many dear ones among us and everywhere, who are suffering diseases such as cancer, heart problems, MS, Parkinsons, mental problems, etc. God expects us to show care for these. They must not be neglected. [adapted from Praise & Prayer Alert]
"When it hurts to look back, and you are afraid to look forward, look beside you --God is there!"
- Author unknown
A Hope For Deliverance
CHRISTIANS SEEKING GOD’S CARE
[The professing believer’s assurance of deliverance from eternal condemnation is found at the cross of Christ, and we can be assured and satisfied there if we are thus made a “new creation” in Christ Jesus ---which is by the new birth (John 3; 2 Cor. 5:17). Some faithful believer's in Christ seek deliverance also from troubles and sickness, so prayer is needed, but we must appreciate that God is the “potter” and we are “the clay”, as He said. Let us think about this and God’s care. – R. DeWitt, 09/11]
It is important that one who professes to be saved and a “child of God”, and comes to God in time of need, does it by faith, obedience, thankfulness, and humility. When we are yielded to Him with trust in His goodness and purposes, we can be settled and at peace. This supposes that one is “born again” by the Holy Spirit, knowing the Lord Jesus –the Christ (see John 3, John 14, and 1 Jn. 5:10-13). Much of what anyone considers here would not be understandable or perhaps appreciated if one is not a true Christian.
God wants real Christians to learn dependence on Him, and not seek to use Him as just a means of meeting our needs and keeping us happy. One should never challenge God, blame Him, or complain. It is immaturity and dishonoring to our Creator-God. Having faith does not say that one should ignore or abandon responsible actions and medical care, and only pray for healing or other deliverance; rather that beyond normal responsible personal care, one who is faced with a significant illness or other great troubles and limitations ought to pray for God’s leading and blessings.
Let us always ask in faith even as the Lord Jesus prayed: “…nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39); and the result was that He was not delivered, but required to suffer and die ---and that because it was the mind of God. Real believers can be thankful for that as it brought our salvation. The Apostle Paul left Trophimus at Miletum sick (2 Tim. 4), and did not call down healing for him, because the purpose of God must prevail, and we all have troubles, sickness and even death at a time in this sinful world. Paul prayed that God might remove the “thorn” in his flesh, but God said: “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Cor. 12:7-9). Some Christians hold that if one is not healed it is due to lack of holiness and faith, which is not true to the Word. They have a Healing Ministry supposedly to make healing happen (which is a wrong spirit). God gave us only a prayer ministry, for He alone heals as He decides.
Our blessings is not about getting what we want, but what is the mind of God. If one is a faithful believer, that one will pray earnestly, commit themselves to God, and wait to see what God is pleased to do. It may be deliverance from some situation, healing, special needs provided, etc.; but we must be in submission to His will ---not our will. All verses in the Bible speaking of praying and trusting God, has to do with submission and trust, not in making demands. We may be a vessel prepared to endure trials for God’s purposes, so we need to always glorify God and be a bright testimony to others.
We should pray believing and thanking God for His care and mercies, but appreciate that God knows the end from the beginning. If a matter is not the directive will of God for such a thing, then the permissive will of God may allow it to be as we desire. Truly, “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16), and we can praise God for He has always “done all things well” whether we know it or not. - RLD
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