The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most.” When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us ‘exceedingly abundantly,’ ‘according to the riches of His glory,’ and ‘the working of His mighty power.’
I don’t know if am the only one who feels this way . . . Often times I find myself in this trap of praying to God and asking Him for what He can do for me . . . and yet, I am encouraged by these words to look within myself so that I can seek Him first, establish a relationship . . . and all these other things will come as a byproduct. And if they don't come, that's OK . . . because I would have gained Heaven and Eternal Life with Him. I pray for a heart that will allow me to seek Him first daily.
- Submitted by Maggie Clark, member, Renton Church
Alter your Altar (Ideas for family worship)
Children:
- Play a game of hide-and-seek. Let the child be the seeker once and then the hider. Come back together and read Genesis 3:8-10. Share ideas on why people hide from God. Ask family members to describe times when they’ve either hidden from God or searched for Him like in the game of hide-and-seek. Talk about what it means to find or be found by God. End with Jer. 29:12-13.
- Take the Family Worship Challenge
No Children:
Same as above with or without hide-and-seek game.