The two most important disciplines in the life of a believer are Bible study and prayer. It is impossible to grow continually in Christ without practicing both.
Prayer is the primary means by which we talk to God, and it is also a way He teaches us. When we pray, we’re petitioning the Lord and trusting Him for the answer. In doing so, we learn to listen to Him, just as we learn to wait for His response. And He loves for us to honor Him through this spiritual act of worship called prayer.
Indeed, prayer is one of the best ways to honor God. When we pray to our heavenly Father, we are acknowledging that He is God, that He truly is “the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy” (Isa. 57:15). God alone deserves glory, and we ascribe honor to Him when we “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). That is, we are to maintain a God-focused attitude throughout the day—continually asking Him to govern every detail of our lives.
Today’s passage says that our Father dwells both on a high and holy place and also with the contrite and lowly in spirit. This means that our motives and the condition of our hearts are very important in prayer. Simply wanting to “get our way” is not the spirit of prayer that honors God. Furthermore, it does not produce prayers that He will answer.
The heavenly Father longs for an intimate relationship with His children. Time spent in communication with God is the best way to grow close to Him.
In our world of electronic banking and credit cards, it’s easy to ignore what things cost. The same is true with sin. Our culture enjoys temporary pleasures while disregarding what God says is the price of transgression (Rom. 6:23).
The Bible tells what our sin cost Jesus. For our sake, He suffered...
Physical pain. During the hours leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus was mocked, beaten, and humiliated. (See John 19.) In His weakened state, He was forced to carry on His shoulders the instrument of His death—the cross. Then He was nailed to it and hoisted up to die an excruciating death.
Man’s sin. Jesus lived a perfect life on earth and never knew the disgrace of sin or the bitterness of regret. But at the cross, the Father placed all of mankind’s sins upon the Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). There, Christ experienced the fullness of our transgressions, guilt, and shame.
Abandonment. In the final hours, Jesus was separated from His Father (Mark 15:34), their fellowship broken for the only time since eternity past. Our sin became the barrier that kept them apart until Jesus Christ’s work of atonement was finished (John 19:30).
Divine judgment. God’s wrath was poured out on Jesus because of man’s sin. Christ experienced the condemnation we deserved (Isa. 53:5-6; Rom. 5:9).
Our Savior suffered greatly on our behalf, shedding His blood so we might become part of God’s family (John 1:12). He calls us to a life of sacrificial service—doing the Father’s work and living to please Him. In light of what our salvation cost, how can we do anything less?
Today’s passage tells us how Moses endured arduous times: by faith. Every believer will face trying moments. The key is to remember that tough times are …
Inescapable. “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Every one of us will experience periods when life is hard. Financial pressure, family trouble, health issues, business difficulties, opposition within the church—the list of potential problems that we could face is endless. It is, therefore, essential that we learn to respond in the way God desires.
Able to destroy or develop us. Have you ever noticed how people respond differently to the same difficult situation? Some grow more focused while others fall apart or are even destroyed by the trial. How we respond depends on our perspective: Are we God-centered or trouble-centered?
Survivable. The key is to learn how to walk in continual awareness of God’s presence. Moses demonstrated this in seeking to free the Israelite people from Egyptian slavery. He had learned to “see” our invisible God walking by his side and to be constantly mindful of His presence. Moses didn’t focus on the Egyptians, Pharaoh’s power, or even the Israelites he was leading. His focus was on God.
How aware are you of the Lord’s presence? Are you worrying less because you’re thinking more about His sovereignty? Are your fears receding as you consciously believe in His protection and all-sufficiency? Moses did not start out with this awareness; he had to learn and develop it. We, too, will learn as we deliberately seek Him.
Yesterday we observed how ineffective Moses’ self-reliant actions were. Today we will see what God can do in the life of someone who is fully submitted to Him. If we let Moses’ example teach us about the dangers of self-sufficiency and the advantages of depending on the Lord, we’ll save ourselves a lot of hardship.
When we submit to God’s way, He’ll do amazing things in and through our life. Despite past failures, Moses was still used in accomplishing the divine plan, but only after he became usable—that is, humbled and broken of his self-will. Just consider what God achieved when Moses relinquished control.
- He showed He could do great things through a yielded person.
- He got more done in less time and with fewer resources. There was no insurrection or lengthy war—just a dramatic display of His power.
- He proved the superiority of His way by freeing over two million people without the loss of a single Hebrew life.
- He sent slaves out of bondage with their captors’ riches (Ex. 3:21-22).
- He proved to both the Israelites and the Egyptians that He alone is the God of heaven and earth.
- He received all the glory.
Our past failures never prevent God’s willingness or ability to use us. In fact, our weakness is a great opportunity for the display of His power. In our own strength, we are totally ineffective. But when we submit to the Lord’s authority in our life, we can experience His victory in whatever He calls us to do.
What would you say if God asked you to lead many others, as He asked Joshua? Speak His words to prominent leaders, as He instructed Daniel? Become a traveling missionary like Paul? God wants us to respond with courage when He calls us to tackle something beyond our ability.
Our first step toward bravery is meditation on Scripture—we’re to search for its meaning as if hunting for treasure. With the Spirit’s help, we will understand how to apply the Bible’s wisdom to our situation.
Next is obedience to the Word. As we contemplate God’s truths, they become imprinted on our minds and influence our actions. Scripture is meant to shape our thinking and cause us to follow biblical principles. The more we think God’s way, the closer we’ll follow Him.
Trusting in God’s promises is a third action that builds courage. Joshua crossed the Jordan River towards Jericho because he took God at His word.
The fourth step is to remember past victories. Young David, the shepherd boy, did this effectively. Recalling God’s past protection gave him the courage to fight against the Philistine giant, Goliath (1 Sam. 17). Practicing these steps will empower us to focus on victory rather than defeat, disregard fearfulness in others, and obey God without alarm over possible consequences.
God wants His followers to bear witness of Him to an unbelieving and often hostile world. Will you speak the truth of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, His saving power from sin, and His promised return? The Lord is calling your name. How will you reply?
