Saturday, November 20, 2010

Stepping Stones: A Powerful Prayer, But Be Careful!

Transformational Thought

There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should come with a warning label; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.”

In other words, please use me to help someone in need. After you say this prayer someone in need will practically show up on your doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. If He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. We are called to go and spread the good news, to be salt, to be light to all the earth.

I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, He begins in earnest to help us with our problems. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. One of my mother’s favorite sayings is; “The scent of the rose stays on the hand of the one who gives it to another.”

Today, ask God to use you as His instrument. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help others. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be. Thank you, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. In the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39

that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16