Faith Builder

Jasper Speaks:

When I think of the times I have wronged God, it humbles me that He continues to love me. It amazes me that He wants to talk with me. Often it takes me days to talk to someone I feel has “mistreated” me. Still, God desires to hear our voice no matter wat. He longs for the communion that is found in a prayer of repentance, a word of thanksgiving or a song of praise.

Prayer is an essential part of a Christian’s life. We have the privilege of speaking with the creator of the universe. The meeting is not one with a frightening force that has no name but with someone who desires us to call him “Abba” (Daddy). He wants to be involved in our lives and He has chosen prayer to be our main line of communication with Him.

The great heroes of the Bible had a spirit of prayer. We see prayer at the center of the lives of members of the “Honor Roll of the Faithful” in Hebrews 11. Abel is listed for his good sacrifice to God. He is mentioned for an act that made Him and active participant in prayer.

Enoch “walked with God”. His prayer life became such a part of who he was that God spared him death and literally continued the conversation as he was translated to glory. Through his life we learn the importance of faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. Enoch’s faith was expanded by his prayer life. I believe that in our modern life, full of distractions, our faith can also be made stronger through conversations with the Master.

Noah, as soon as God brought him to dry land, built an altar and prayed. His devotion was so strong that in a world where everyone else was seeking sin in any way possible, he could still hear God’s voice above the tumult. Again, I think there is great wisdom for us today. Sometimes we can feel all alone in this world where people seem set on satisfying their own desires, but like Noah, we can hear God’s reassuring voice that He will help us through our greatest storms, when we quiet ourselves and pray.

Abraham and Sarah prayed continually for a child. Their prayers we answered when they were well “over the hill”. They had all but given up when God showed them he had heard their prayers.  The lesson we find here is that sometimes we give p too easily. The Bible does not say pray until you are convinced that God is not listening. IT tells us to pray without ceasing. We must wait for God’s timing to bring an answer. I am sure Sarah never expected to be changing diapers in her 90’s but she found renewed faith in seeing God answer her prayers.

The honor roll continues with names like Jepithah, Samuel, David, and the prophets who faced difficulties beyond what we can imagine. They all have become a great cloud of witnesses for us to not give up hope. Our hope will increase when we are fervently seeking time in prayer. I pray for you that you will allow your life to be changed and your faith to be increased by sharing your life completely in communication with our heavenly “Daddy” through prayer.