Tag Archives: prayer

Stop With The Weak Prayers!

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Prayer,

Why Are Our Prayers So Weak?

Jesus prayed. Jesus prayed a lot.

Jesus taught his students to pray and made some pretty remarkable claims about the power of prayer.

Are we afraid to pray boldly? We’ve been assured that grace awaits. “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” (Hebrews 4:16). Some translations have us drawing near with boldness. We can step boldly come before God’s throne for help. James writes, “The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness” (James 5:16, NET translation). So, three big promises, and there are more, that assure us of effective prayer.

But what if we don’t pray?

When was the last time you prayed? Don’t count a fast “blessing” over a meal or a quickie prayer after that mindless guy almost ran over you in the Walmart parking lot. Those are good and important prayers, but I want to know when was the last time you had an intense conversation with God?

Jesus prayed early in the morning – Mark 1:35.

Jesus prayed so intently his sweat was like drops of blood falling – Luke 22:44.

Jesus didn’t get everything he wanted – Luke 22:42.

Wait! What?! I never thought of that. Jesus did not always get what he wanted, but he prayed anyway. That’s pretty astonishing. Sometimes, God said no to Jesus.

Here’s my point: Our prayers are weak because we don’t believe prayer works. We don’t believe prayer works because we don’t get everything we want. But that is the exact opposite of the Teacher. Jesus didn’t get everything he wanted, but he kept praying anyway. So should we!

When Jesus’ disciples saw him praying,  they asked him to teach them. Luke 11:1 – 4 offers the Lord’s model prayer. But his discussion of prayer doesn’t end in verse 4. He continues teaching them in Luke 11:5 – 13. In this passage, Jesus teaches that we must persist in prayer. In this parable, a woman is seeking justice from an unrighteous judge. Unabated in her requests, the judge gives her what she wants – justice.

Too often, we pray once and done prayers. Once is enough. Don’t bother God. But God wants to be bothered. He desires to hear you give voice to your needs and desires. We can and must empower our requests through steady and consistent prayer. Obviously, God’s will must always prevail, but we should press our case before God as if he was our last hope because really, he is.

Why Aren’t You Praying More?

Bible General, Daily living, Prayer

Prayer has always been the centerpiece of any relationship with God. Jesus, and his forerunner John,  were so given to prayer that Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). There was a time when prayer was deeply ingrained in the American mindset but that is just a distant memory. There was a time when mid-week assemblies were called prayer meetings. Of course, we still pray but there is a noticeable lack of dependence on prayer.

Why?

You Aren’t Praying Because You Don’t Think You Need To

You are self sufficient. You take care of yourself. You are strong. You don’t anyone to help; you’ll be just fine. This is the way we are taught to think. It’s driven by the idea that man is superior to all else.

Presently, many hold that science is the only answer to our many problems. The Humanist Manifesto III, adopted in 2003, says it this way: “Humanists find that science is the best method for determining this knowledge as well as for solving problems and developing beneficial technologies.”

As a former RN, CCRN who worked for years in a Critical Care setting, I know the value of science. I know that new medications and treatments have improved the quality of our lives and the quantity of our days. I also know there is a limit to science. Today, science remains uncertain of the future. Science has been humbled by a tiny, previously unknown virus.

A generation learned that dependence on tangible things is foolish. The Great Depression begin in 1929 and lasted 10 years. Those who lived through that period are still guided by their experiences. In 2008, many lost their savings and saw their retirement plans implode in days. Now, we struggle through another economic disaster on the back of the coronavirus pandemic.

How is it possible that we think we do not need prayer?

You Don’t Pray Because You Are Not Sure Prayer Works.

It probably sounds crazy for a Christian to deny the power of prayer. But many do. They aren’t trying to be evil or weak, but they just haven’t seen the power of prayer in action. Actually, they have but they don’t recognize it.

Have you ever prayed for someone suffering? Maybe the church has a prayer list and you bow your head each week as someone prays for those in the hospital. When they recover to whom do you give the glory? I’ve heard people say something like, “She really had a good doctor!” Or, “that’s really a great hospital, I’m glad she went there.” It would be great to hear someone exclaim, “What a great God she has!” Even if God is working through those wonderful doctors it is still the Lord who deserves the credit. We ought to give glory where it is due.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”

James 3:16-18

Look at this verse. First, prayer has power! James does not wavier. Prayer works. That alone should put to rest our suspicion that prayer is only wishful thinking. But next, he uses Elijah’s prayer for drought and then for rain as an illustration of the power of prayer (! Kings 17:1ff; 18:1ff). Elijah, like me, prayed and the Lord withheld the rain. Later, the Lord released the waters.

Tell me, how is it we don’t believe in the power of prayer.

A Challenge 

I’m challenging you to pray like you have never prayed before. And, I am asking you to record your prayers in a notebook or journal. In one month, revisit your listing and see what God has done. You will be amazed!

One reminder: God may not answer your prayers in the way you want. God will, and we want him to, answer prayers by giving us what we need. We want God to give us what is best. One of the benefits of the prayer journal is that you will see how God responds to your wants and perceived needs.

Release your fears to God. Surrender to him and and ask for God to give you what is best. I promise that your faith will grow and you will never again wonder if prayer works.

Let me know how you come along on your prayer life. I’d love to know!

5 Reasons to Pray for Trump-Kim Nuclear Summit

Culture, Daily living, Prayer, ,

Readers know I’m not much for politics, especially as it pertains to the church. But there is an event happening this week that Christians should be in fervent prayer about. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean President Kim Jung Un are meeting to discuss the reduction of nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula. That is a big deal.

During my youth, we worried about a nuclear conflict with the Soviets. In truth, it was pretty unlikely. Both sides were balanced, and neither could hope to escape a devastating counteroffensive. The aptly named policy was Mutually Assured Destruction. As strange as it sounds that policy kept the peace for decades.

It is different now. Small nations like North Korea or Iran have the capability to launch nuclear weapons against us and our allies. While the US could surely destroy any attacking country, that is irrelevant to the larger issues of good and morality.

On August 6, 1945, the United States detonated a nuclear device in battle. Within seconds of the explosion, tens of thousands of people ceased to exist. Thousands more would die in coming weeks and years from the effects of radiation. Three days later a second attack on Nagasaki was launched. Close to a quarter of a million died in the two bombings.

We must earnestly pray for the success of the Trump-Kim summit so that no one ever faces a nuclear blast again. Here are 5 reasons to pray.

1. Prayer for Leaders is Biblical

Paul wrote, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Jesus said, “Pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28).

 

2. Nuclear Weapons Are Not Precise

It may be true that modern missiles can deliver a warhead through an open window a thousand miles away but the blast is uncontrollable. In fact, the actual power of the warhead can only be estimated until detonation.

After the initial blast, a massive firestorm will rage for days and will destroy areas far beyond ground zero. Fallout from the explosion will cover many miles with deadly radiation.

3. Civilians Suffer More

Modern war has proven that civilians suffer greatly from hostilities. Even a “small” exchange would kill thousands of unprepared, unprotected, and unexpecting non-combatants. Remember the bombs dropped on Japan were rudimentary, low-yield atomic devices which produced only a fraction of what modern thermonuclear devices yield.

4. Children Suffer Most

Maybe adults are at least benignly culpable for the acts of their government. Our history shows the good that can happen when a population throws off an oppressive government. But what about the children?

Children and vulnerable populations will suffer and die disproportionately in any such conflict. Humane populations cannot ignore the effects of war upon the weak and defenseless.

5. The World is at Stake

Look at a map. The superpowers are all present. North Korea is bordered to the northeast by Russia. China shares a border to the north and west, South Korea, with thousands of US troops border the south. Only a tremendous outpouring of restraint would prevent that “small” conflict from growing into a World War.

Even without Russian and Chinese involvement, Seoul, South Korea stands in the middle of American technology development and production. Extraordinary economic upheaval will occur in the wake of a nuclear conflagration.

A moral people will seek to eliminate the threat of nuclear catastrophe. Whether you like President Trump or not, pray for success in this mission. Peace avoids all the aforementioned troubles. We must pray for a true peace that protects all men.

 

When God is Silent

Daily living, God,

“Is there any word from the Lord?” – Jeremiah 37:17

The young man’s face betrayed the tension that lay beneath his words. “I believe in God, and I pray every day. But for some reason, God isn’t answering my prayers.” His words became softer as he continued, “I guess I’m doing something wrong.” His plight is not different from that of many Christians. In times of trouble, our petitions seem to fall upon a deafened Divine. Our expectations are unmet. Sadness, confusion, and despair may follow. Soon doubt and anger occupy our thoughts. “Why doesn’t God hear me?” we cry.

Our God hears his people (Proverbs 15:29). He is aware of our needs even before we ask (Matthew 6:8). He rivets his attention upon the most insignificant creatures (Matthew 6:26-30). As the pinnacle of his creation, we hope for a rapid, positive response. Still, God is silent. Why?

God is silent, not clueless

When God seems far, it is not because he is unaware. If the Father is concerned about birds and flowers, will he not also be concerned about the crowning achievement of his creation (Matthew 6:25-33)? The writer of Hebrews reminds that our Savior and High Priest, Jesus, knows our burdens. “For we do not have 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” (Hebrews 4:15). We can be certain, that God’s decision to act will come at the very best time for us

God is not silent because he is working

The crises in our lives seem to demand immediate attention. We cannot comprehend why God allows us to linger in distress. In fact, God is already busy changing our lives for the better. The Bible calls this discipline (Hebrews 12:6); it is evidence of God’s extraordinary love for you. Like a father who carefully watches his son as he struggles, God watches over our struggles too. Visit any high school or little league practice, and you will observe dozens of parents watching as their children run lap after lap, unendingly practice drills, and are pushed to exhaustion by their coach. Why? Because struggling produces something better in the future! Maybe your struggles are evidence of God at work in your life.

God is not silent because he is teaching

Paul struggled too. This great man, the one who declared “Rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4), also begged God for deliverance from a problem. Three times he asked the Lord to remove his problem, but God declined. Why? Because Paul needed to learn humility and to trust God. His words were powerfully instructive: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Culture teaches us to be self-sufficient. Even the U.S. Army, an example of teamwork, extols the image of an “Army of One.” We need to be reminded that it is God who provides. Our trust must be on him.  Just as you would not hand a five-year-old the keys to your car, God will not give us what that, for which, we are not prepared. Perhaps God is teaching you a lesson in humility, patience, finance, relationships, or faith.

God is not silent; you are not listening

This is the hard one. God has spoken, and the answer is “no.” Remembering that God’s knowledge of past present and future is infinite, we should be confident that God knows what is best. Whether or not we understand is irrelevant; God is all-knowing. There are times, just like a loving father, when God that we should not get our request. God always gives what we need (Matthew 7:7-11), but he withholds that which is harmful.

The Christian knows that God hears and cares for him. Walk by faith, seek the encouragement and support of your brethren, and continue your petitions before the father.

Persistent Prayer

Church Bulletin, Luke, Prayer,

prayingRecently, a discussion arose in a Bible class for which I felt ill prepared to discuss in detail. After some reflection and study, I’d like to present some thoughts better organized than what I offered in the class. The question concerns persistent prayer. Specifically, should the Christian persist in a specific prayer before God until he gets his answer? Put differently, does it demonstrate a lack of faith if one keeps on praying for the same thing over and over.

The locus classicus seems to be Luke 18:1-8:

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.  He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’  For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.  And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?  I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

This is one of those odd parables where an evil person gives us a lesson for life (Luke 16:1-13 for another). Here, the unrighteous judge stands in place of God. We know this because he has the power to deliver the widow and because the text emphasizes his sovereignty as a judge (vs. 4). The aggrieved widow is the disciple. Her adversary represents any person or situation causing grief. The unrighteous judge refuses to respond to her plea for aid. Yet, she persists in her cries until he finally gives in and grants her petition. The actual source of her problem is not revealed and is irrelevant.

Contextually, the parable is declared to have the point of teaching that people “ought always to pray and not lose heart” (vs. 1). The word translated “ought” could also be rendered “necessary.” Such seems to be an even stronger encouragement than “ought.” In any case, Jesus is teaching his disciples that they should always be prayerful. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 has Paul saying almost the same thing. We know from Jesus’ own example that prayer is vital to our spiritual health (Mark 1:35; Luke 3:21; Luke 11:1; Hebrews 5:7). But on this, most agree. We should be a prayerful people. No, the question is not about generic prayers for strength or guidance, but specific prayers for a specific need. As an example, should we pray over and over for the loved one suffering a serious illness?

Are there Biblical examples of persistent prayer for a specific issue? The first is probably the Luke 18 passage above but there are more. The lengthiest is likely the book of Job. This suffering man had a single-minded prayer: deliverance. Job speaks often to his comforters but he is also talking to God. He repeatedly sought deliverance from his struggles. Likewise, the apostle Paul sought relief from a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Inspiration says he sought deliverance from the Lord three times (2 Corinthians 12:8). Consider also Jesus who prayed “let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus prayed this prayer three times (Matthew 26:44).

Now given the parable, given the examples of Job, Paul, and Jesus, it seems clear that persistent specific prayer is an acceptable practice. Is it wrong to pray once and walk away? I cannot say so. But I do conclude that if Paul and Jesus did it, I can too.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @J_Bryant_Evans.

Why Should I Pray For America?

Government, Prayer,

prayMany people are telling us to pray for the nation. For what should we pray? Why do we even pray for the nation as a whole? Most agree that we are approaching a critical moment in the history of the country. The National election is approaching which seems to have very serious and long-term consequences for the future of our country. Certainly, we should pray for our nation. Let’s consider some specific petitions that we should offer to God in our prayers for America.

Pray for America Because It Is Our Duty

The principle of praying for those in authority is laid down by the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:2-4:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We should observe; Paul, Timothy, and the Christians to whom he ministered, all lived and served under the power of the Roman Empire. At its very best, Rome was benignly neglectful of Christians. At worst, they persecuted and tortured believers in Jesus Christ. Christians enjoyed no protection from the authority of the Roman government. There was no right to free speech, no right to assembly, and no right to practice their faith. Nevertheless, Christians were commanded to pray for those who were in authority over them. This teaching parallels Paul’s command that every person should “be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). So, in spite of the horrible conditions in which the Christians live, they were still to pray and honor the Roman Emperor. Today, devout Christians often bristle at the activities of our national government. Remember, our circumstances are far better than anything the original Christians had to face. If they were to pray for the pagan authorities who ruled over them, we should certainly pray for those who rule over us today.

Pray for America So That the Gospel May Spread

Historians often speak of something called the Pax Romana. This is a Latin phrase that simply speaks of the peace of Rome. Despite all of its pagan beliefs and practices, Rome generally ensured peace within its borders. Travel was far safer within the borders of Rome than without. This safety, and the improved infrastructure which made travel easier, aided the spread of the gospel message throughout the civilized world.

We should pray that our nation remains a safe place and a place subject strong law and order. Such security will make the spread of the gospel much easier. We should also pray that our government will continue to uphold the important principles of our Constitution, namely, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. These three freedoms are embodied in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. To date, the Lord’s church has been largely protected by the First Amendment. But there are ominous signs on the horizon. The concept of (hate speech) has been extended in some locations to include preaching against immorality. Some local governments have demanded that preachers submit some for approval. Fortunately, these attempts have been beaten back in the courts of our land. We should pray the body of Christ is protected from those who would silence the words of Scripture.

Pray for America That Prosperity May Continue

The United States of America is a wonderfully blessed and prosperous nation. Truly, there is no other nation like the United States. Our country is imperfect. But there is no place better to live that in this nation. Even the poor among us, are exceedingly wealthy compared to other people in the world. This prosperity is not accidental. It is a gift from God Almighty. Our founding fathers acknowledged the gift of prosperity that God gave to the people of this land.

In October 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving celebration. Consider the first clause of this proclamation:

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;”

It has only been in recent history that our country has come to ignore the role of the Almighty in our blessed provisions. One can only speculate how long God will allow a nation of ungrateful people to continue to receive his immense blessings. Our nation generally, not just the government, has excluded God from our collective consciousness. Let us pray that we turn back to God as a people who are thankful.

Pray for America Because of Our Children

Change happens slowly. It may be that adults will never see the day when God withdraws his hand of blessing from America. But what of our children and grandchildren? What of our great-grandchildren and those who follow behind them? What kind of nation will they enjoy?

“Children are a heritage from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). It is our responsibility to provide for their welfare both physical and spiritual (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Let us pray that our children will be able to live in a land where the word of the Lord may have free course where they may enjoy the bountiful blessings of God that we have been given in our lifetimes.

Surely there are many more reasons to pray for America. But perhaps these will stimulate our thinking and help us to focus on the importance of our land and our blessings from God. Let us be a praying people, of people who never cease to pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @J_Bryant_Evans.

On Being Thankful

Church Bulletin, Daily living, Eastern Shore church of Christ, ,

A good Christian is nothing if not thankful. Our example and savior, Jesus, demonstrated his thankfulness to God through his often prayers (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; John 11:41). The psalmist wrote:

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1)

“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.” (Psalm 30:4)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4)

To see the goodness of the Lord evokes a need to praise him and thank him for his goodness. One needn’t look far to find things to be thankful for. A ship’s captain, standing on the bridge of his vessel as the sun began to peek over the distant horizon, was taken aback by the stunning colors sweeping across the sky. “Every morning it’s new; it’s always brand new” he exclaimed. As David said, “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).

Over 20 years ago, upon returning from Russia, I was stunned at the beauty of my own community. The harsh Russian winter had turned everything into shades of white and gray. But when I returned home in early May I saw the beautiful colors of spring which had been hidden in Russia. What a joy to be home.

Last week as I stood on the plains of Sand Creek, Guyana I rose early and watched the sun rise over the mountains to the east. It was a beautiful sight. The simplicity and solitude of life there was a welcomed change. I was so thankful to be there and to be serving both our Lord and the people of the region. Yet, when time came to return home I was even more thankful for the sights of the USA, the safety of our trip and the faces of my family waiting for me at the airport.

But those are big things. A man would have to be hard indeed not to feel thankful in those situations. It seems that we should also be thankful for the less visible blessings. We must learn to see the hidden goodness that marks our everyday lives. Some suggestions follow.

Let us be thankful for the salvation we have in Jesus. There is no greater blessing than the liberty and freedom found in Jesus. There is also no greater reason to be thankful.

Let us be thankful for our health. Everyone has health problems – everyone. And while our problems are important to us we should remember that there is always another who suffers far worse than we.

Let us be thankful for our families. A family is a gift from God. They are often the ones who challenge us the most. But what a joy to have them!

Let us be thankful for good friends. There is a friend who is closer than a brother says Solomon (Proverbs 18:24). Having someone who always speaks truth and is devoted to your needs is a great blessing.

There are dozens more hidden blessings for which we should be thankful. Seek them out and pour your thankfulness into prayer. Give God the glory for every gift!

 

 Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

Of God and Birds

Daily living, Matthew, ,

Passer_iagoensis_maleI’ve been thinking a lot about God’s care for his people. I get in a rush sometimes and forget just how important his care is to us. Nothing happens secretly. He knows our every care and struggle. That means volumes to me.

As I write this morning I am sitting in our front room looking out onto two bird feeders. It’s still early morning, the shadows are slowly retreating, and I expect the arrival of the birds soon. They are so small and delicate. Yet they weather every storm without harm. For them, food never seems to be an issue. Even when I let the feeders empty they still seem to find food somewhere. The neighborhood cat patrols the area, but I have never seen him with one in his mouth. God takes good care of these seemingly insignificant creatures.

God takes care of me too.

Jesus talked about birds.

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. (Matthew 10:29).

With over 10,000 species of birds worldwide it would be impossible to count their actual numbers. They are everywhere. Yet, God knows when one falls or is injured. That’s incredible. But here’s the kicker:

Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31)

What is Jesus saying? He is saying that if God takes note of the small bird falling to the ground, he will surely take note when you struggle. Even before you beg in prayer, God knows your pain. Before the first tear falls he is already weeping with you.

God truly cares.

Sometimes, in the majesty of his great will, we still must walk through dark places. It is part of the sanctifying process that every Christian goes through. But when we walk in darkness, God is there.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Today, look for the birds in your life. They fly through for a reason. They remind you of just how much God really cares.

God! Fix My Mess!

Daily living,

dark portraitI often find myself in predicaments of my own making. I get in a mess and cannot figure out how to extricate myself. I also feel a little odd about asking God to fix a mess I made. Why bother the Creator with a problem that would not exist had I listened to him. I suspect I am not the only person with those thoughts.

God promises to help and hear the prayer of his children. He promises to give all that we need in any circumstance (Luke 11:5-13; Ephesians 3:30). But it just feels a bit hypocritical to foul things up and then say, “God, fix it!”

Fortunately, God doesn’t look at it that way. I think of King David, the beloved psalter of Israel who may have headed the most dysfunctional family in the Bible. Almost every problem David faced after becoming king was directly related to some flaw or shortcoming in his own life. For example, when the child born to the adulterous union of David and Bathsheba was dying, David gave himself to constant prayer (2 Samuel 12:15-23) in hopes the child would be spared. David was not afraid to take his self-created problems to God.

Indeed, all sin is of our own making. None is without sin. Yet, we beg for forgiveness for our own misdeeds. We know that God forgives those who seek his face. Sometimes, consequences still occur in this life, but the important message is that eternally we are forgiven and have hope of everlasting life. Our God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4) and yearns to hear from his children. Don’t keep him waiting!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Providence

Apologetics, Bible General, Church Bulletin,

God is alive and active in the world today. He reaches into the natural world from his supernatural throne and affects the lives of men and the course of history. Prayer is the means by which men ask God to intervene in their lives. While we do not believe in the existence of true biblical miracles today, we do believe that God acts providentially on behalf of his children. This so-called providence is the subject of this article.

For this article we define providence as God working through natural laws. Providence may be contrasted with Biblical miracles, in which God sets aside natural laws to affect some change.

God is active in our world today through providence. He hears the prayers of the faithful and responds to them through his providence. When Christians pray for healing, God heals. When Christians pray for deliverance, God delivers. When Christians need strength, God gives. Of course, God grants our prayers based upon his will and his discretion, but when our prayer is proper and coincides with his will, it is granted by God through his providence and not miracles.

Providence in the Old Testament

While there are many, stunning miracles in the Old Testament, God also works through his natural laws. For example, many women in the Old Testament were barren until God opened their womb. Examples would include Sarah (Genesis 21:1), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Rachel (Genesis 30:22), and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:5, 20). In each of these cases God directly intervened to allow these women to give birth. Nevertheless, God worked through his natural laws to bring about the birth of their children. In each case, the children were conceived in the usual manner, the children were carried to term in the usual manner, and the birth occurred in the usual way.

King Hezekiah of Judah offers another example of providence. In 1 Kings 20:1-7, 18 he is told that he will die from his illness. He prays to God for healing. Hezekiah is granted another 15 years of life Believers have no doubt that God intervened on Hezekiah’s behalf but Hezekiah received, medical treatment for his condition. Certainly God could have miraculously healed him on the spot, but he did not. God worked through the laws of nature to bring about his healing.

Providence in the New Testament

The Gospels, record many miracles performed by Jesus. These events are exactly what they appear to be, they are true biblical miracles. Such events as feeding 5000 people from the little boy’s lunch or raising a man from the dead can hardly be considered anything other than a miracle. Those events cannot be explained away in any rational way. However acts of providence are seen scattered throughout the New Testament.

In Acts 12:20-23, we read of the death of King Herod. Herod was immediately struck down by an angel of the Lord when he failed to give God glory. From our perspective we hold this to be the intervention of God. However a nonbeliever might argue that Herod died of some pre-existing illness. In other words, someone could explain away the death of Herod with a rational scientific explanation.

In Acts 27, the ship on which Paul is sailing is shipwrecked. The chapter reports a terrible storm, the fear of his shipmates and the ultimate wreckage of the ship. But no one died as result of the shipwreck. Their survival is at the hand of God. The skeptic might offer some rational explanation as to why this happened. It does not change the fact that God intervened. Paul had absolute confidence that because of God’s power the crew of the ship would be saved.

These distinctions from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, although they are fine and miniscule, are important when studying modern miracles. Today, many people use the word “miracle” loosely. Some examples will help make our point.

Providence in the Present Time

Sometimes people speak of childbirth as a miracle. While childbirth is an amazing and glorious moment for any parent, it is not proper to call it a miracle. Thousands of children are born every day and in some cases do not even require the assistance of a physician. The laws of nature have been created as such to allow childbirth to occur almost routinely.

Occasionally someone will be involved in a horrific automobile accident and will, amazingly, walk away from the accident with barely a scratch. While the Christian will give glory to God, a scientist will probably find a way to explain the occupant’s safety through physical science. As such, this is best described as providence. It strengthens the faith of the Christian who believes fervently that God protected them. But it does not rise to the level of a biblical miracle.

Christians are instructed to pray for the sick. In our day there is hardly a congregation of Christians not touched by cancer. Oftentimes our prayers are heard by God and answered affirmatively. The patient responds well to treatment, soon improves, and is able to resume their normal lives. As before, the Christian believes that the hand of God was involved in their healing. Skeptics will simply say that they responded to established medical treatment just like other people respond to treatment every day. In other words, this is providence.

Please understand, this is not simply an article on terminology. Words have meanings. Those meanings convey ideas. Sometimes the misuse of words, meanings, and ideas promote false teachings.

It is not uncommon today to see some preachers claim miracles where none exists. Such false claims rob God of his glory. These alleged miracle working charlatans not only assault the most vulnerable among us, they bring disrepute and create a lack of credibility among true gospel preachers.

Brethren, let us use caution and carefully distinguish between true biblical miracles and the marvelous providence of God today. Appreciating the providence of God is an inherent factor in walking by faith and not by sight. We know God is active and intervenes even when the world does not or will not agree. Let us be people of faith and always give God the glory for every good thing he does.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.