Even When You Can't See

Even When You Can't See

by David Brenneman 

We can find it in the New Testament of what it says concerning prayer and praying.  "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB95. 

We also can get discouraged by not seeing evidence that our prayers have gone anywhere or see that anything has begun to happen.  

Truth is we don't know what's going on behind the scenes.   Even Daniel, when he felt conviction enough to pray what he knew of Solomon's prayer, kept on praying and the result was the Angel showing up much later.  Early evidence of what Paul wrote about concerning our warfare is not against flesh and blood but is against the powers of Satan and his darkness.

The man asking Jesus how many times must he forgive his brother was told not just seven times, but 70 times 7.  As long as it takes. 

We may not see, in our lifetime, the impact or the effects of praying, but they are there for those who believe.  

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 NASB95. 

When we are praying for the salvation of those whom the Spirit has crossed our paths, we certainly may not see what it's doing, but rest assured something is happening.

Do you realize that Satan cannot interrupt any communication between you and Jesus?  You can, but he cannot.  He can discourage you into not going to God in prayer.  He can get you to hang on a nail of contempt for someone instead of praying for them.  He can get you to water a seed of bitterness rather than praying for them.  He can get you to be the one to deny them access to the work of the Spirit in their lives towards salvation in Christ Jesus. 

Jesus said to look around because the fields were ripe for the harvest.  What harvest?  Those ripe and ready to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  What harvest remains today? Same one.  What was the Father’s business?  To seek and save the lost in this world.  What work of God are we to be involved with? To seek and point people to Jesus. 

When we allow our lofty positions and our arrogance, our pride, our this or our that to get in the way, we deny people the salvation that we came to love and know in Christ Jesus.

Positions mean nothing to Jesus, so they mean nothing to me.  Degrees, etc. mean nothing in light of eternity.  Jesus, lay aside His garments, girded Himself with a towel and proceeded to wash the Disciples feet.  The King of Kings and Lord of Lords got down on His knees to do a servant’s job.  He hung up His Kingly robe to come to Earth to die on a cross for the sins of mankind and raise up again 3 days later.  

He was mocked, scorned, ridiculed, beaten, whipped, and had every single right to hold a grudge.  

Had every single right to wipe those people out of existence with a thought.  

Jonah was asked by the Lord Jesus if he had a right to be angry.  The point being he didn't. 

We often are the reason it takes some people longer to find salvation in Christ Jesus because we are the ones not bringing them to the Throne of God.  

Jesus said that we are sent out as workers into a harvest that others started.  

Pursuing accolades and certifications, degrees even, might indeed increase your standing among mankind, but they mean nothing in light of eternity.  Peter, upon being confronted yet again after preaching that people needed saved in the name of Jesus Christ, told those Jewish Leaders that whether it is right to obey them or God, they be the judge.  They will obey God. 

Was listening to a Pastor going on about titles in the Church. About how many men were no longer calling themselves Pastor's but now were calling themselves Life Coaches.  He was glad they did that only because they were giving Pastor's a bad name.  Because they were no longer being what a Pastor was to be.  

Satan wants Pastor's to water down the Gospel.  To go though with whatever it takes to get them to stop preaching the Word.  Even if it means letting them get degrees, doctorates or any other title.  He cares not about morals or feelings or emotions.  He wants men to stop teaching in the name of Jesus Christ. He wants them to stop proclaiming the gospel message. 

Satan will tempt us all to put up walls to keep those we come in contact with from finding the Throne of Grace that we were lead to. 

Praying for others is a right and a privilege.  Jesus said He came not to judge the world but that the world might be saved through Him.  

We often have lists to bring to Jesus in prayer.  How many people do you pray for are those whom you have a problem with?  Be careful!  Is it a true problem or were you just hurt by them so now you don't have a right perspective on them?  

We have no Biblical right to keep anyone from the Throne of Jesus Christ for salvation. 

I can go after other certifications, if I had the money, probably a degree or two.  My prayers include praying that I am found by Jesus doing that which He wanted me to be doing.  Not necessarily what I want to be doing if that's what that means.  If it means giving up something that I love doing, so be it.  If it means sacrificing something, so be it. If it means whatever the Spirit says...then so be it. 

We have always people to pray for. 

We have them...but do we keep them from the same free gift of salvation that we received because we are pursuing the things of this world?  

Are we convincing ourselves that our place in the body of Christ has changed, when in fact it cannot?  

We have a calling in Christ Jesus and that includes being the one to be praying for those whom He brings across our paths regardless of what we might personally think about them.  Jesus denied nobody access to Himself while He was walking this Earth.  Tax collectors, those caught in adultery, etc. Even the one who would betray Him.  

Pray without ceasing...implies let no obstacles stand in the way.  Not our pride, not our desires, not our this or that.  It's not your job or mine to clean up people. We are to bring them to Jesus, He cleans people. 

I began this blog years ago now and have no idea what impact it might have on leading people to Jesus.  I see the statistics and if true, it blows my mind.  I care not what people think, I just want them to see Jesus.  

Pray without ceasing...you just may be the one to turn the tide and that person might find salvation in Christ Jesus...and then the Rapture of the Church will take place.