You Need to STOP Praying

…We ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God…
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5

Stop Praying?

Well not entirely. I simply want to draw attention to our need to stop asking God to release us from things that He has allowed to happen in the first place. I can think of at least two good reasons why. First, these trials are confirmation from God Himself that we are, a) in His will and, b) being obedient to His directives. If we were not, these things would likely not be occurring. In that very sense, they identify us as godly Christians. Suffering of this type is proof you are in Christ and He is in you.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

In that truth alone we should rejoice, but wait, there’s more! As we face these trials, God is with us. In fact, it is in these situations He chooses to mold and refine us. These words in James 1:2-4 give illumination:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Perfection? Completion? Without Lack?

Why in Heaven’s name would anyone desire to pray against these things? I am not proposing a Christian go looking for trouble (Heaven forbid), but when trouble has found us we need to see it as the refining process (of God) that it is. While all believers delight in mountain-top experiences, obedient Christians know that the real fruit of our faith grows in the valleys.

Blessed For a Reason

I’m stepping out on a limb here, but I’m saying it anyway, “You KNOW you’re blessed.” I defy any Christian to deny that statement (although I’ll entertain your argument if you like). So as always, the question remains, “Why are you so blessed?” The answer of course is that so God may bless others by way of your obedience—you are blessed to be a blessing.

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