What do you turn to when you have a crisis in your Christian marriage? The most powerful thing we can do for our Christian marriage is to pray often together as we shared in this earlier post. Many of us have heard the saying “Pray until something changes.” We have also read the scripture that instructs us to pray without ceasing, but why do we have to pray so many times before the Lord answers our prayers? In order for the Lord to answer our prayers we must have a relationship with him. We cannot merely pray to him when we need his help we must also pray to him to thank him for all that He has already done. The word says in John 15:7, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.“ Are you wondering why your prayers are left unanswered? Well, I have one simple question for you, how strong is your praise and prayer life?
Too often Christians think that because we believe in Jesus everything we want we should be able to get. God never promised that our life would be easy, actually if we wanted to get technical we are instructed to expect difficulties as stated in 1 Peter 4:12-14.
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Every once in awhile in my church the people seemed to be engrossed in their problems and they appear to be at church out of routine. When this happens my pastor often makes this statement. ” How many of you have ever gone to the ATM when you know there is no money in your account?” Most people laugh and say never. The pastor then says, “right, there is no reason for you to go to the ATM if you do not have money in your account. The same is true about going to church, if you do not put anything in to praise and worship do not expect to get anything out of it.”
If we want God to answer our prayers we must have a relationship with him that is not consumed with us asking him to fix our problems all time. We must be willing to give our praise to God simply because he deserves it, not because he has helped us. Do you remember going to the arcade as a child or with your children? There is a game full of prices, usually stuff animals. In order to get the stuff animal you must put your money in and move the claw around to select which one you want. Some people are able to pick up the stuff animal and some people are not. Some people will keep spending their money to get the stuff animal and some decide that the stuff animal isn’t worth their money. Everybody wants the prize but not everyone is willing to do what is takes to get the reward. The same can be said for believers.
Some people it seems as though their prayers were answered immediately, but how many nights did you see them praying and thanking God? Some people pray until they get an answer, while others are discourage and decide to stop praying because “it’s not working, he isn’t answering my prayers!” If we do what is right and praise the Lord he will bless us. In Galatians 6:9 we are reminded that our perseverance and our faith will bring about a change in our lives.
ChristianMarriageHQ Challenge: When praying to the Lord are your hands raised (in praise) or held out ( in need of something?) If you want God to answer your prayers you must see him as more than a provider, he must also be your friend. Spend time thanking God for the many ways he has already bless you and for all the things he has brought you through that should have broken you. This song of praise has been in my spirit this week. I pray that it will bless your spirit as well, ” Hanging By A Moment” By Lifehouse
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