When a storm is brewing and the waves are crashing all around, as captain of the ship, your men look to you for direction and encouragement. If you falter or hesitate, they will begin to doubt your abilities, become terrified and disobey orders, which could put the entire ship in danger. As a captain, you hold the lives of the crew and the safety of the ship in your hands.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind (James 1:5–6 NIV).
In life, there are going to be many storms. How we handle each storm will determine its outcome. During some of those storms, we may reach out to others asking for prayer.
I am a prayer warrior. Almost every day, one or more people ask me to pray for them. When I pray, I truly believe God hears my prayer. I don’t always know the right answer, but I always pray for God’s will to be done.
Usually, if family members or close friends ask for prayer, I will say to them that they, too, need to pray. I tell them that when they pray, they have to believe that God is listening. If they have any doubt, how can they expect God to heed their prayers?
Yet, I admit that I sometimes doubt. And whenever I do, I suffer for it. Just like the verses above, my doubt causes me to go through some very rough waters; thrown in different directions, I end up totally lost. Yet, when I put my faith in God, the waters are calm and my path is clear. So, I try my best not to doubt, especially when I pray. I don’t want any waves in my future.
***Faith***Belief***Trust***
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones (Proverbs 3:5–8 NIV).
So, when the storms come and the waves grow stronger, pray. Then catch the wave and ride it out . . . into calmer waters.
Debbie Mitchell