It’s natural to have concern for those who are suffering. We hear about the afflictions of someone we care for and we just want it to stop. The affliction could be illness, finances, employment, relationships – you name it! In fact, just below you’ll read a list of needs to pray for.
And there is nothing wrong with praying for needs to be met and afflictions to be lifted. Jesus tells us to pray for our “daily bread” – and that is a need.
But remember to pray for the need behind the need.
You see, afflictions are not our enemy. Afflictions are inevitable. Afflictions are even sent by God to strengthen and refine us.
The Apostle Paul’s concern for the church at Thessalonica was “…that that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)
Paul’s main prayer for the church was not that their afflictions would be lifted. His focus was on their faith (1 Thess 3:5-8). He prayed that their faith would be strengthened through the afflictions. Strengthened faith is the need behind the need!
So when you pray for a friend to get a job – also pray that their trust and hope in God would not fail while they search. When you pray for healing for someone who is sick, also pray that the Lord would draw them close during their time of illness. When you pray for a financial breakthrough for a friend, also pray that Jesus would be more precious to them than silver or gold (or cash!).
And throw in a prayer for your pastor while you are at it!
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
And there is nothing wrong with praying for needs to be met and afflictions to be lifted. Jesus tells us to pray for our “daily bread” – and that is a need.
But remember to pray for the need behind the need.
You see, afflictions are not our enemy. Afflictions are inevitable. Afflictions are even sent by God to strengthen and refine us.
The Apostle Paul’s concern for the church at Thessalonica was “…that that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)
Paul’s main prayer for the church was not that their afflictions would be lifted. His focus was on their faith (1 Thess 3:5-8). He prayed that their faith would be strengthened through the afflictions. Strengthened faith is the need behind the need!
So when you pray for a friend to get a job – also pray that their trust and hope in God would not fail while they search. When you pray for healing for someone who is sick, also pray that the Lord would draw them close during their time of illness. When you pray for a financial breakthrough for a friend, also pray that Jesus would be more precious to them than silver or gold (or cash!).
And throw in a prayer for your pastor while you are at it!
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
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