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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God:” (Phil. 4:6)
May,
2011 Dear Friend, Trusting that all is well with you and your loved ones. We are praising God for all that He is doing in our midst. We went through a rough winter here in the Northeast, and now it is time to soak in some sunshine, and trust for a wonderful summer. Soon we will be able to take our Bible with us to the park and sit under a tree and soak in God’s Word. How did this past winter treat you? What comes to mind when you think of it? I have mixed feelings when I think of it. While it was awesome to have quiet times at home to spend with the Lord, I also had much difficulty traveling to the office and running household errands. On one occasion, we had a huge storm that broke the records here in NY, and I ran out of cash to pay men to shovel the walk for me in case of a repeat storm. I found myself becoming anxious because the News reports kept saying that we would have more snow. There were mountains of snow outside and my car was locked in with snow and ice. I am ashamed to say that I found myself worrying about how I could get that cash that I needed. As you know, I am a polio survivor, so my legs are not too sturdy. I looked outside and saw sheets of ice, and instead of first calling on Jesus, I let fear take over. Finally, after settling myself down, I prayed and asked the Lord to please let the ice melt enough so that I could at least walk the few blocks to an ATM machine. A friend of mine said that the street corners were not bad, and that the air actually felt good. So after an initial prayer, I took the chance and went out, praying as I did so. As I was praying, I heard birds singing, saw the bright sun melting snow, and breathed in fresh, clean air. I began to see God’s hand as I turned corners and found places to walk with no problem, and it was as if God had drawn a picture of His beautiful creation. Suddenly the sun shone brightly; suddenly, the birds sounded like an orchestra raising up voices of praise; suddenly, it felt almost like spring! God was showing me His handiwork, and was making sure that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment! If people would not have called an ambulance, I would have burst out singing in my off key voice! (Smile) It is when we least expect it that God shows up! When we pray with thanksgiving, God smiles. My prayer was a simple one, but at the time it was important to me. I wanted to get what I needed and get home safe. Meanwhile, God, in His Wisdom, knew I needed more than that. By being nervous, I was not trusting Him to take care of me. Yes, we must always be wise and seek God’s wisdom first. After John Baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit brought Him to the wilderness where Jesus fasted for 40 days. After His fast, satan tempted Him in different ways. (Matt. 4:1-11) Jesus answered “It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” (Vs. 7) In this case, I simply knew that I knew that it would be okay. I was given assurance that if I was careful, God would bring me and take me home safely. It goes on to say in Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” After I prayed, I felt peace. Prayer and peace are closely connected. That peace assured me that God had heard my prayer and would answer. Supplication is more than petitioning; it suggests an intensity of earnestness in extended prayer to fully transfer the burden of our soul into God’s hands. This type of prayer is normally used when praying for salvation for someone, or praying for healing, or something that is extremely urgent. When praying this type of prayer, if we can stop for a minute, take a deep breath and concentrate on Jesus, His peace will overtake us, bringing us to the place of trust and peace. How do we accomplish this? His Word says: ”Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.” (Phil. 4:8) Instead of thinking of the worst scenario, such as that child going to jail because of drugs, think of that child healthy and happy, and serving God. See him or her that way! Speak it forth out loud! Imagine that child reading the Bible, singing in the choir, ministering to others. Keep thanking God in advance for that child’s salvation, healing and deliverance! Meditate upon that! We serve a mighty God and nothing is too hard for Him. His desire is for all to be saved. His desire is for all to be healed. His desire was for me to take care of what needed to be done in a safe manner, and come home filled with joy. There is nothing too small, or too large for Him. No prayer is silly to Him. God is a Loving Father, who loves each one of us so very much. Whatever concerns us, concerns Him, and He is Faithful. Paul said that in all things, he learned how to be content. (Vs. 12) He did not fret, he believed God for all things. Let us take a deep breath today and determine to think on pleasant things that bring peace and joy to our heart. Let us learn to believe God for all things. Let us, as Paul stated, know that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Vs. 13) Yes, we can do so! When we allow God’s power to sustain us in difficulty, we are in a different place. We are no longer in bondage to the things of this earth. God’s all sufficiency takes over in our heart giving us courage and hope and peace. Let us be encouraged today, and let us make this our way of life. Father, in Jesus Mighty Name, I lift up this reader to you, and ask that You fill this person with Your love, Your peace, Your joy, Your hope, Your courage, and all that is of You! Speak to this persons heart and bring encouragement and hope in every situation. Meet every need according to Your riches in Glory, in Christ Jesus. Amen and amen! God bless you! Rev. Barbara Anne Yovino, Ph.D.
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