We need Him in all things and in all ‘things’ He is all we need.
Think of all the things you have, could have or would like to have: vibrant physical health and strength, financial prosperity, loving family to be proud of, an excellent position or profession, wonderful friends, living in luxury and having everything you want. All of these in total do not come within a trillion miles of ever being close to the same ballpark as the priceless, intimate oneness of being identified with God in vital intercession. Have you ever considered where vital intercession will take you and what it will make you? (Oswald Chambers) “We need to be identified with God’s interests in others. That identification is gone if we put human sympathy, our consideration for them, in the way. This is a deliberate rebuke to God.” We pray for ourselves and others (Ephesians 6:18) and need to realize that human sympathy can be very dangerous in prayer because it is woefully ignorant of God’s intended purposes. Why would God allow pain in the life of a Christian, mine or someone I pray for, then simply remove it just because we pray? God does nothing without a good and holy and beneficial purpose.
In our prayers for a suffering Christian, we need to seek the mind and heart of God for that person. How does God intend to use that trial, what is He going to accomplish through it, however painful it is necessary. We need to be so closely identified with the Lord and be so sure of Him, that we are one with Him in His method for His purpose in our own life and in the lives of those for whom we pray. Much more than immediate healing, we ask God to give them a deepening awareness of their dependence on Him, that the Holy Spirit will correct any wrong thoughts they have about God, settle and establish their minds and that they would have a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Our desire and prayer for them is that they will desire God’s will more than healing and to recognize the wisdom of that choice. (The first 2 chapters of Job give excellent reading and insight in this connection). Then we can pray that when God has completely fulfilled His purpose, that the outcome will be to God’s glory and to the healthy prosperity (3 John 2) of that person’s body, soul and spirit. Prayer requests are not a growing shopping list to get things from God. Prayer requests are growing opportunities for us as we pray to increase our knowledge of God and deepen our personal heart-to-heart intimacy with Him. Never allow anything to distract you from or lessen your absolute trust and confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God (2 Timothy 3:15).
When I pray, do I pray demanding? Do we question God (Isaiah 45:11) about His dealings in the things concerning His children and try to command Him to do the work of His hands our way, in the way and time we want it done? Hold on – stop and think! This is a very dangerous approach to the Throne of Grace. God always knows (Jeremiah 29:11) the thoughts and plans He has for each one of us and they are always good and beneficial. We can always expect a profitable end to the most trying and painful difficulties with full confidence because we know that our loving heavenly Father never allows anything in our lives which He does not plan to use for our spiritual growth. Suffering rightly seen can be a beneficial teacher.
(Oswald Chambers) “With a determination to get my own way or with a determination to be identified with Jesus?” Prayer is our holy privilege, beyond all privileges, beyond anything you can think of when you hear the word privilege. Prayer is our most powerful weapon for warfare and defense. Prayer is our most effective tool for building - - all over the world for the glory of God. Are we making good use of these implements?
I think if God did respond at once to prayers of human sympathy, many people, including us, would be weak spiritual dwarfs and know nothing of growing in godly maturity. We have been GIVEN (Philippians 1:29) the privilege to suffer because our sufferings and trials are actually (1 Peter 5:10) the gift wrap of the holy promises of our eternal riches. Through sufferings (1 Peter 1:7) our faith is tested, proved, purified - - to become the unwavering, pure gold faith which honours God.
Satan commits only when God permits. Satan was a tool in God’s hand in the life of Job. God always has an appropriate time to answer and just think of the condescension of the Sovereign Lord in Chapters 38-41. God gave Job a thrilling revelation of Himself as He took the time to discuss with Job many aspects of His power and order in His creation. Job got the message, became a man of prayer and was forever richer,
In our identification with God, the Lord wants to manifest His joy and fragrance through us. Whatever God allows in our lives we need to remember that wine comes from crushed grapes and perfume comes from crushed flowers. We never have a reason to doubt God’s love, timing and control. No matter how we feel we are (Deuteronomy 33:27) sheltered in the arms of God. We pray in the Name of Jesus because we recognize Him as (1 Timothy 2:5) our Mediator, our go-between and our (Hebrews 7:17) High Priest forever. There is not a single minute when we don’t need Him. We need Him in all things and in all things He is all we need.
Why are we told (Philippians 4:6) to pray our requests with thanksgiving? Because we know (1 John 5:14-15) that every request made in accordance with God’s will, is granted immediately and will become our literal possession at the exact right time when God’s holy purpose has been completed.
We are told (Hebrews 4:16) to come boldly to the Throne of Grace. That does not mean brashly, brazenly or carelessly. It means to come prepared confidently, humbly, with clean hands, clear conscience, pure heart and a will to obey. If we seek the mind of the Lord, He will share with us His awesome reasons regarding certain things we pray about. Consider this (Hebrews 12:10) God disciplines us so that we will become sharers in His own holiness. That is an awesome Truth! Sink into the glorious riches of (Hebrews 10:36) we need steadfast patience and endurance to fully accomplish God’s will and carry away with us enjoyment to the full of what God has planned.