With all the demands of daily life, work, and ministry, have you ever wondered how to accomplish the seemingly impossible list of to-do’s? Beyond that, do you wonder if the work you’re doing is even making a difference in the long haul? Here’s what one believer has to say about the power of prayer that will change your ministry, daily life, and walk with Jesus.
As the sun began to peer through the early morning mist, the servant hurried down the narrow, winding streets of the city, making his way toward the outer wall. His heart was heavy, for his people had long been troubled by the great king of Syria, and war must be imminent. Already his master had twice warned the king of Israel of Syria’s plans, and they had been saved… but what was this he saw as he approached the wall? Masses upon masses of men, a veritable host of men with horses and chariots had come upon them by night and surrounded the city. They were trapped – surely there could be no hope of escape. In despair, the servant turned to his master who had followed behind. “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” he cried. “Do not be afraid,” returned the gentle voice of Elisha, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And suddenly, the mist cleared, the eyes of the servant were opened, and he beheld an innumerable company of horses and chariots of fire surrounding the mountain upon which his master stood.
Fellow soldier, if you are seeking to win souls, you are engaged in a battle which is far more real than any battle that has ever been fought in this world’s history, the outcome of which is far more crucial than any other. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Let’s face it – we’re in a time of war, and we’re weak. Satan has souls in his grasp, and he does not relinquish them willingly. Our own strength, resources, and common sense are not enough to win this fight. Do you merely muster up a feeble prayer for the lost now and then, hoping that you’ll actually see some results? Do you avoid verses such as “the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,” simply because you’ve never experienced them and are afraid to try and fail?
Are you willing, with Elisha’s servant, to have your eyes opened to see the invisible and behold your God?
The task that we have been given to go into all the world and preach the gospel is by no means impossible – with God. But the battle must first be won on our knees. When our focus is on the size of our faith, we just can’t seem to muster up enough for the task at hand. “Me, fill that ministry position?” “Reach that person for Christ?” “Impossible,” we say. But oh, when our focus turns to the object of our faith – Jesus Himself – and we recognize His life in us as the power that transforms, anything is possible.
Read part two next week and learn how to cultivate regular prayer into your daily life and the result it can have on your walk with God.
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