Today’s blog post falls in line with the spirit of my devotional designed to pray for your City. I am grateful for any prayers for the writing process. Thank you!
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way…” (3 John, 1:2a AMPC)
When your grocery cart emptied of its items and bagged, does your jaw drop at the total on the register?
And your gas tank is taking a whole lot more money to fill up. Are you taking fewer trips out because of the higher cost of gas?
There is scripture instructing us to not be shocked by things we see or hear. How are you doing with non-shock? I have told myself to stop gasping out loud, but I still hear an inner groan.
The news does not help the concern as they report that Americans have less in their savings and are using their credit cards more.
Financial stress on a family can create a feeling of isolation and worry, which leads to tension.
Do your neighbors feel isolated by their financial worries too? I bet some of them do.
There is a story in the bible, of a man who reestablished his outcome by praying for others, specifically his friends.
Mini Bible Story
Job was a man who loved and lived for God and lost everything, except for his wife and a few friends. His money, children, and livestock–gone–and he developed a terrible skin condition that tortured him.
This all came into Job’s life as a gift from the devil. Satan thought he could get Job to reject God, but his plan did not work. In fact, it backfired!
God restored him, and people find that fascinating, actually giving him back more than he originally had.
But, this is NOT the best part of the story.
Main Point
God did end up giving Job a ‘God size’ lecture. God had some correcting to do in Job’s heart. But at the end of the lecture, God gave Job one task to do.
Job, was instructed to pray for his friends, the ones who rushed to his side to comfort him in his great loss. Their attempt to help Job was overshadowed by misrepresenting God’s view and care for Job in this painful time. Theirs was such an error in judgment that God required sacrifices from them.
Ouch! Can you see their pride burning up in their chests?
Job was restored times two after he prayed for them.
Bottom Line
Prayer is not a frivolous, last-ditch effort. Nore is it a groundless proposal for a serious situation.
We honor God when we pray, turning to Him to solve what only He can. Praying for someone in your City, at the next gas pump, or behind you in line at Walmart, that their finances be blessed and their burden lightened, honors God.
That is it — P R A Y for them. It is a simple act of obedience void of pride.
What About You?
God has answers to prayers for you too, but first, what prayers does your neighbor need? If you don’t pray for them, what will the loss be for your community?
I am not saying or implying that you, or they, will receive Job’s fortune after you pray. How God blesses you is up to Him. He always deposits peace, joy, love, or grace, with prayer.
Is that enough–or better yet–isn’t that what is really needed to combat daily stressors?
Who in your City is coming to mind that you can pray for?
Father, You do want to provide a way for each person in my City to prosper. As prices rise, I am focused on my own struggle, but people all around me have similar concerns. Bless everyone that I pass on the road or in the store. Bless their day with financial wisdom and sound sleep tonight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Some News
Does this float photo say everything that needs to be said about prayer? I have seen this group on the weekends at different events with a booth set up ready to pray for anyone who asks. They were a beautiful sight as Greg and I were in line at our local 4th of July parade. By the way, the large flag says, “Jesus is King”. A needed reminder.
You’re a Beautiful Messterpiece, by Deana Farrell
Have you ever been over the moon about a book?
There are few titles that make me feel like it was written by a friend who wants me to succeed at by biggest dream. Deana Farrell brings a unique voice to the conversation of getting your “God-given dreams” in motion. Perfection is NOT the goal. This VAL (me)–you have to read at least the back cover copy to find out what a VAL is, is starting to see that my ‘mess’ is part of the story and not to be shunned. Check out Deana Farrell here to find out about her new book!
Invited Guest
I was honored to be asked by a fellow writer and ministry-minded friend to start writing a monthly prayer for her ministry’s newsletter.
Naomi Fata resides in New York and is the author of, Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts. She also writes God’s Corner for her local newspaper.
To read more about her ministry and sign up for her encouraging ministry email, go to Christian Resource Ministry.
Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,
Michele Marie Weisman
PS Walking on Mustard Seeds can be sent directly to your inbox!
AMPC link is to lockman.org
Photos were by Greg and Michele Weisman