Pondering Point

One could apply these words of biblical instruction in many different areas of life; family dynamics is definitely one of them. Since ideal is not a word most people use to describe their family situation, there is plenty of room for the practice of joyful hope, patience in difficult times, and commitment to be faithful in prayer over family matters.

Don’t accept despair or hopelessness over your family; pray about it. Pray to the God of hope (Romans 15:13); seek guidance from the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of love, joy and patience in us (Galatians 5:22). It can be had. Don’t buy the lie that your family can’t change or that you can’t change. As Romans 12:1-3 says, offer yourself to God as a living sacrifice and let Him transform you as He reveals His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 34
Crises

In Scripture we are told Moses had crises. God used those crises to act in grace and love. Jacob had troubles. God used those troubles to demonstrate His grace and love. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, died. God provided a miracle to show His grace and love.

The story of crisis and sorrow is never over, but neither is the grace and mercy of God, as He continues to do miraculous things! He allows hardships, difficulties and crises to come into the arena of His grace and mercy to bring good out of the situation. Every crisis is an opportunity to act in grace and love. Words of Jesus Christ bring comfort and hope.

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was a crisis. Through His suffering and death, He brought us His mercy and grace. He calls you and me to take the crises of humanity to Him and return to them the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ!

Got his book?  Read pages 159-162 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.

Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #29 on
page 271: “Is there actually a “formal” prayer?”