Have you ever faced a situation that seemed impossible, yet you felt compelled to find a solution? We all do at times, and yet it’s in some of the most urgent circumstances that we feel utterly powerless. I’ve been there more times than I care to count. It might be a financial situation that is out of your control, the health of a loved one, or the difficulties a family member or friend you deeply care about is facing.
If you’re a doer, like me, you probably feel better if you can
do something. That something may be talking to people to get them to do something or get some ideas. Maybe you try to rescue and put some form of a Band-Aid on a gushing wound (figuratively speaking). Maybe you create a plan and try to get the troops on board. Regardless of your strategy, the degree to which that something really makes a difference is another story. It can also bring about a great deal of frustration – both for the doer and others impact by the situation.
I was recently asked to be part of someone else’s plan to solve an urgent situation. I had some warning about what was unfolding, but admittedly didn’t know what I could do about it. Rather than worry, I decided to pray. It was a few months later I was approached with the plan. While adjustments needed to be made, the plan was strong. But we needed full participation for this plan to work and there was one person of our “team” who didn’t want to play.
As you can imagine, many emails and phone calls went back and forth, trying to figure out what to do. The pressure to make something happen increased as our deadline got closer. “Team” members who have otherwise been very close were angry. And worry clouded the hearts and minds of at least the two people driving the plan.
Again, I prayed about it. And what came to me was to recommend to the others that we all pray. When I finally had the opportunity to offer my recommendation, the response I got was a very disappointed, “Oh, I thought you had an idea!”
I don’t fault the person who said it at all. I’m afraid this is an all too common opinion. It’s tragic that many people don’t believe there is any real power in prayer. They don’t see prayer as a valid part of the solution, but rather a passive act we undertake when there is nothing else we can do.
If you and I are serious about living the journey of our lives on purpose, prayer is THE most powerful tool we have – that is, when it’s accompanied by faith in our all-powerful, loving God and followed by doing our part. God is waiting for and listening attentively to those prayers. He wants to work in our lives, show us solutions, open doors to the resources we need, and even – yes, even – perform miracles.
What I’ve learned through my own life is that God’s solutions exceed anything I could have dreamt up. When I pray, I get answers I would never have come up with on my own. You may have heard it said God is a gentleman. He won’t go where He’s not invited. But invite Him into your biggest problems, your greatest hopes, the most confusing life circumstances and just watch what He does. It’s amazing! I’ve seen it time and time again in my own life. But I’ve had to let go of how I want it to be and be open to God’s plan.
Prayer is the invitation for God to work in our circumstances. It opens the door for God to work. “You have not because you ask not,” we’re told in
James 4:2.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
In this situation, we did get full participation after all. God worked and continues to work in all of our hearts.
The next time you face a difficult situation, a challenging decision or you’re just not sure what to do next, pull out your most powerful weapon – pray and ask God for help. Believe He’ll answer your prayers, then be prepared to do your part. It will take patience, trust and perseverance. And it will be more than worth every minute!
