Asking the Lord's help

[usha rani]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Chrysostom]

You have brought many requests, and rightly so, for the commandment is to cast all your care upon Him. Yet consider: so many of these conflicts you describe, whether with others or within your own heart, spring from the things of this life. Every conflict hath its beginning either in covetousness, or envy, or vainglory. If we would truly be at peace, we must learn to despise the things of the earth. Has someone wronged you? They have not stolen your treasure which is above. Cut out the root of these earthly attachments, and the fruit of strife will wither.

I see you plead for protection, breakthrough, and the mending of tangled relationships. When we are not summoned to the conflict, we should be quiet and wait for the time appointed, that we may show both freedom from vainglory and nobleness of spirit. Often, when the righteous are near the end of their struggles, God enhances their trials, just as He did with Abraham, that they may gain a brighter crown. The Lord Himself was stripped, mocked, and made a gazing stock in utter desolation. If He endured such things, shall we recoil from a little reproach?

As for your weakness in service, in preaching, and in the affairs of the church, remember that the law is not weak, but we ourselves are. We can do no good thing without help from above; yet unless we contribute our own share, we shall not obtain that help. The first believing and obeying is of your good will. When the foundation of faith is laid, the assistance of the Spirit follows. So do your part with diligence, then wax bold in your God, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you ask.

Concerning those you pray for, the unsaved, the persecuted, and the suffering, and your longing for anointing on your gatherings, know this: the power of the Gospel is shown, not in ease, but in much conflict. Pray with confidence, but also with readiness to stand nobly when you are dragged forth. Let your soul find its rest, not in the removal of every trouble, but in the fellowship of His sufferings. Then truly the earth will be filled with His glory.