Hebrews
4:14–16 (RSV)
14 Since
then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the
Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high
priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every
respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with
confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find
grace to help in time of need.
NOTE: Over the last
few months, I have worried over a number of items. At times, I despaired of
seeing those worries come to greater fruition. Oftentimes I turned to God in
prayer and gave him those worries. My desire was for him to take away those
worries (according to my ideas), but my focus was that he would bring about
good in the end. I prayed specifically. In one case, I received an answer that
was the opposite of my desire, but in actuality closer to what my true desire
or end goal really should have been. I didn't realize it until I started to
think through the prayer request a little more and saw how selfish my goal was
and how God would have to be unjust to the other party to answer "my
way." There were 4 or 5 main items of prayer and a number of smaller items
all related to the same central event. This week the last of those major items
was answered. There is still one smaller item to see answered, but God did take
the worries from my attention (my focus) and he did answer them (mostly in his
way and time). I know God answers prayer. My problem is that I want to see them
answered my way. And so that causes me to hang onto the worry. But this time, I
really sought God, not so much for the answer, as to take the worry from my
mind. It is a much more peaceful way to live. This note is a reminder to
myself. God does take our worries (1 Pet 5:13; Phil 4:6,7) and gives us peace.
He also promises to answer for our good, according to his definition of our
good (Rom 11:28). Thank you Lord.
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