How Do We Do It?

A dear friend wrote to me describing a mountain their family is facing for the coming months.  Many are in similar situations -- a husband headed off to the military, separated from his loving family; children missing their father's daily input into their lives; a wife who just discovered she is pregnant, worried about her previous miscarriages.  We all know families who have one or more of these problems, and some who have far more.

How do we speak to them of what God can do in their lives?

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.  The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  I will call upon the LORD, who worthy to be praised (Psalms 18:1-2 KJV)

There is so much more in this one Psalm.  David's problems are not our problems, but the God he addressed is ours.  What David shared provides examples for us.  Doesn't mean everything will be cleared and roads made easy, but He is with us.

I am not certain that all prayers will be answered with an immediate positive result, but I do know they will be answered with God's will.  I also know He has promised us a number of things about prayer,  First, we have an intercessor:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26 KJV)

We also know that we are in the service of His Son, so things will work out:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  (Romans 8:28 KJV)

We know He doesn't want us to worry about what is coming, but to do each day’s responsibilities as they arise:

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34 KJV)

Make lists, set priorities for the next day, but do not worry about the ones to come.  Truly live one day at a time, completing what must (but only what MUST) be done in one day. 

We women have a marvelous example of how to do this:

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (Proverbs 31:10-11 KJV)

The verses that follow tell of her everyday labors.  One right after another as the needs arise, working at home and with those around her.  The result does not include all of those who interact with her, but for me, the most blessed verse here is:

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Proverbs 31:28 KJV)

Help your friends.  Look around you and see those in need.  Hear the voice of the  Lord directing you in His service to befriend and aid His children, our brothers and sisters in Christ.  For this one family, please pray for their strength for the coming months and for the health of their new baby.

This is a blessing for all involved.