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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
“… you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.” (I Cor. 1:11)
Sometimes it’s hard to ask others to pray for us. It’s as if I’m asking too much to even mention a prayer request.
Do you ever feel that way?
I recall a time when I was part of a small group of women — a group where we shared details of our lives, studied the Bible together and prayed for one another. It was also a season of stress and challenge for my husband Dick and me.
We needed a refrigerator. Now, that may seem a routine need, and perhaps no big deal for many, but just then our finances were bleak. The future was unseen, and with a pending relocation we needed a refrigerator.
When the group began sharing their needs, I hesitated. I was tired of being needy. I just didn’t want others to know about my uncertainties or silly needs.
Later, my friend Kitty came for a brief visit. I hesitantly admitted how my pride kept me from openly sharing my need.
She encouraged me, and then shared my need … and wouldn’t you know, someone knew somebody who had an extra refrigerator just sitting in their garage.
Uncertainty continued. Our income was undependable and worry crept in like a roaring lion.
I recall sitting on a stool in the middle of my kitchen, and saying, “Lord, I want to trust You, and I choose to do that right now … just between You and me. I see that I have food today (not necessarily tomorrow), our bills are paid today (though some are due) …” and so on.
I specifically chose to trust God that day for the needs that day.
Kitty phoned soon after and said, “Be encouraged — your friends and I will bring food or whatever your need, but only when you need it.”
How wise of her. If she bailed us out, then how would we ever know exactly what God had done?
When our prayers were answered, and needs met, those who prayed with us and for us rejoiced greatly. I learned that when I put pride aside and share in midst of need, then those who join with me to pray also rejoice when God responds.
Just like the verse above. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
