Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts. —Mother Teresa
It’s one thing to know about faith; it’s another to live by faith. How do we depend on Jesus in everyday life?
- Deliver the burden to God.
- Rest in Him.
- Depend on Him.
- And then do what He says in the power of the Spirit.
That’s it? That’s it.
Most of us can make it through the first three but get stuck on the last one. The big question is always: How do I know what Jesus is saying to me?
God communicates however He desires but starting with Scripture is always a good idea. We can also listen to friends and mentors—making sure to take their advice back to the Bible to see if it parallels.
He desires to communicate and has given His Spirit to guide you. Take your burden to the Spirit, leave it there and depend on the Spirit for the resolution. Then, act when you’re led to do so. That’s the beginning of great stories.
I once sat next to a couple who were in their 50s. He was a college professor, and she was working in retail. Both had been burdened for their city and had taken that burden to God. “It’s hard for the incarcerated,” the wife told me. “When they are released, they suddenly no longer live in community and are often totally alone.” In faith, the couple continued working their jobs and trusted that He’d let them know when it was time to do something. When we met, they were six months away from moving into a new transitional community. “Our home will be a healthy, faith-filled community for them. We won’t give them a chance to feel alone.”
That’s just one story of one couple who delivered the burden to God, rested in Him, depended on Him, and then did what He said in the power of the Spirit.
This is the adventure of the Christian life, friends—where life gets excitingly out of our hands. What’s He doing in your story?
Lord, I can barely contain myself. The fact that You desire to give me guidance and lead me in an adventure of faith is more than I can handle. Let’s get started right now! Amen.