“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
When things go wrong, my first instinct isn’t always a posture of prayer. Instead, I often adopt a posture of self-help. I act as if my theology is something along the lines of, “I’ve got this,” instead of, “God’s got this.”
You might not say it out loud, but deep within you, you might be thinking, “God is great and all, but if I want something done, I’ll have to do it myself.” And let’s face it, so many of us have poured out our hearts to God, only to feel like our prayers were just an echo in the darkness.
I found myself falling into this way of thinking recently when one of my children was facing a particularly difficult challenge that had us all in tears. I sat awake many nights in a row devising plans to “fix the problem.” I thought about ways to confront, correct, or control what was happening.
One morning, after a particularly long night, I was studying a verse in John. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). I kept looking at the tiny, three-word exclamation in the middle of that verse: “But take heart!”
Jesus didn’t say, “Take matters into your own hands.”
He didn’t say, “Take control.”
He said, “Take heart.”
Taking heart is not a posture of self-help. It’s the posture of humility. Indeed, it’s the posture of prayer. Prayer is the acknowledgement that we’re not running the show — God is. It’s a way of saying, “I trust Your ways more than mine, Lord.”
One prayer really can change everything, so don’t underestimate the power of your prayers. Don’t fall for the lie that your prayers have to be said a certain way to count. Don’t give up asking. Not now! God hears you, and no prayer is ever, ever wasted. Ask and ask again because even when our prayers don’t change our circumstances, those prayers are changing us.
Don’t give up now. You are never as powerful as that moment when you fall to your knees in prayer.
Oh my, Jennifer, does this hit home directly! Currently one of my besties is having family drama & I want to round them up & smack some sense into them BUT that wouldn’t fix it all & it’s not my job! Talking to Jesus on their behalf is my role & so much more powerful than anything I could design myself!!! Blessings from the battle on my knees! (((0)))
This article makes me think of my sister, who I’ve been praying for daily for about 2-3 years. Every time I see her she smells like alcohol. I worry that she might die young from alcoholism. I’ve told her before that I would go to AA meetings with her, and I have expressed to her my concern for her. It’s been awhile since I said something and I feel God prompting me to do something again. She doesn’t know the Lord. I’ve invited her to church. I’ve shared the Gospel with her. Sometimes I feel like I’m messing up or doing something wrong or not saying enough. If you read this please say a prayer for her… Kelsy. She is in her mid 40’s. Also please say a prayer for me to know what to do. Thanks for your devotional!
Praying for you both
I am praying for you and your sister. God hears your prayers and it is His will that Kelsey be saved, so don’t give up. He is faithful always! May the Lord encourage your heart and be the Lifter of your head!
A much needed reminder for me. Thank you.
What a Blessing to share with your listeners (Brothers and Sisters In Christ) that Praying is a great lifestyle ! Believers, never stop Praying for the Kingdom of God. We are so highly Favored by God to Pray to Him for Wisdom, Correction, Faith, to learn to Forgive, to receive our Healing, to Practice Patience with Humility and to Love Others the Jesus Way !
Praying accomplishes MUCH, when we know that our relationship with God is Right Standing (Righteous). We can Pray Sincerely at any and all locations (inner Prayer). Believers are to approach our Heavenly Father with Bold Confidence (we know He Hears Us). We should prepare our hearts for patiently waiting for God’s Timing and His Revelation to Us.
God’s Plans are Eternal and He Knows Everything About Everyone.
Ask God for Grace and Mercy while you wait for His Plans for your life. Give yourself a quiz (are you upset with anyone, and are you asking for an answer with selfish motives, well ask God to accept your repentant heart and start over with your Prayer.
God Loves His Children. We are to live Obediently before God. Pray for the Holy Spirit to Remind you of your boatload of benefits every day.
Glory Hallelujah ! Prayer Changes Our Hearts. Ask God, Seek God’s Face, and Knock on the Door of God’s Grace and Mercy.
Brenda
I used to think that I needed to fix the problems that were raining down on me, but after thinking this way for several months and reading all of your devotionals where I find so much wisdom, I realized that I could not fix it, but prayer to God and telling Him all my problems could as you said Jesus never said “Take matters into your own hands.” He said “Take Heart”. I now pray frequently and over and over with what is concerning me. This is a very sad season for me as my son disowned me and does not consider me his mother any more and with Mother’s Day coming up very soon, I can’t help but cry and wonder what I did wrong. My son was 55 years old on Monday. So I am following mostly everything you said. As I am 77 years old, I don’t have any young children, but I have 1 grandchild who was 11 years old when all this started, but now he is 15 years old and I have not been allowed to see or even talk to him per my son. Every holiday even after these 4 years, I am always very sad. I pray over and over, but so far, He has not told me anything so I know I need to keep waiting. Thank you Jennifer for this wonderful devotion. It has given me encouragement to keep praying and try to be patient in the waiting……….Betsy Basile
Jennifer,
I needed this reminder today. Like you, I’ve laid awake trying to control and fix things.
My daughter started an outpatient intensive treatment program because she has been suffering terribly from anxiety and depression for months.
Needless to say I’m down on my knees in humble prayer. When we work, we work. But, when we pray, God works.
Blessings,
Bev
Good morning Bev, you and I used to correspond by text. It’s been a long time! I have suffered seasons of depression and anxiety, off and on for many years, so I understand about your sister. I will be praying for her and for you. I am fine now except for a debilitating back condition which keeps me from doing the things I used to do. God bless you Bev and your sister. ❣️
Hi Donna,
Of course I remember! I always appreciated your sage advice and wisdom. Thanks for your prayers. I hate seeing how this illness runs in our family — I’ve been there too. Lifting you and your back condition in my prayers ❤️
Blessings,
Bev