Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:17, ” Pray without ceasing. “

Background

I recently found out that a friend of a friend was being cheated on by her husband. It hurts my heart just to type those words. As the details came out, it was revealed that the affair had been going on for four years with a co-worker, and was as recent as the days before he and the family went on vacation together. As my friend was telling me this, the seriousness of the situation and the weight of the despair was overwhelming. I had been kicked in the gut, and I was only a third-hand listener. But let me also share the rest of the story. This lady reached out to a good friend, to several good friends. And without fail, not one of them advised her to bail on the marriage. In fact, she had further conversations with her husband, and he told her that he was now painfully aware of his love for her, and wanted to fix what was broke and save the marriage. He told the other lady that their thing was over. No more friendship, no more talks, no more temptation. He started applying for other jobs, regardless of what they paid. The wife said that between poverty and divorce, she would choose poverty. These two followers of Christ had been hit by a train the likes of which I hope none of us will encounter. That’s right, these were two Christians. This wasn’t a couple living the wild life, spending all their time out on the town. But sin had dealt a blow to them in the worst kind of way. 

Application

And so it always does. This couple now must battle through all that reconciliation and healing will entail. But battle they will. God is in it for the battle, for the victory. And we have a place in this story, and it is a call to pray. We have to take seriously our ability to lift others up before the Lord. I know we pray for many things that don’t seem to happen, but we must not let that deter us. I know sometimes He answers no. But we are connected to these brothers and sisters in Christ. Your prayers for another are never without benefit. So pray. Someone may be depending on it. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, pray for whomever God may put on your mind, prompting as a passing thought.  

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words