WATCHING, WAITING OR SLEEPING
The Bible often uses the terms "watching or waiting" to speak of prayer and the term "sleep" to speak of prayerlessness. When I think about how important prayer is and the mighty things that are accomplished through it, my thoughts often wander to muse upon the job of a waiter or waitress at a restaurant. A skilled waiter or waitress always has their eye on those they are serving and are ready at any moment to do anything necessary to make the dining experience of their customers rewarding and fulfilling.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.(KJV)
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke22:46(NIV)
Matthew 26:40Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? (NLT)
There have been times when I was focused on myself more than God, and therefore not very successful at waiting upon him. I have found myself, more times than I would like to admit, busy serving myself instead of serving God and those around me. I have realized that the more I focus my attention on God and his love, the more successful I am at serving those around me. When it comes to the love of God, I hope you will always remember this thought, “You can never work it up – you must soak it up.” Your moment by moment relationship with God is the key to a life that looks just like Jesus. The recognition of God within you and all around you is the beginning of a life of beautiful intimacy with God! This kind of relationship is what releases the power of God in and through your life! I don’t know about you, but this speaks to me! I love to be challenged and encouraged! I am taking inventory today by asking myself the question, Am I...