Years ago, the beloved Godly pastor I spoke of on day two, once prayed for us concerning a home we wanted to purchase. It was directly across from our church at that time. It would make a great place to have adult Sunday School. The basement would be terrific for the youth group. Two of our three daughters were teens. We had visions of finishing the attic and adding a bathroom so they could have their own space. But the owner of the house was a cantankerous old gal, who would rather let the house sit empty [which it had for about 9 years] than sell it to us. I remember our pastor friend praying for us to find favor in the owner’s eyes…that she would think highly of us and her disposition toward us would change. We prayed, and baked a cake or two. Next thing you know, she’s agreed on a very reasonable price and a closing date. Since that time, we have learned the value of the prayer of Nehemiah 1:10-11.
It says, “We are Your servants, the people You rescued by Your great power and might. O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring You. Please grant me success now as I go to ask the king for great favor. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
Wow! Another ambitious prayer, by another regular person. But God answered his prayer as we’ll see in chapter two. Look at what he prays.
He remembers and praises God for past deliverance. Has God ever delivered you? Was it from a habit, a sin, a terrifying situation? Has He done something praiseworthy? Recall it now and thank Him again for it.
Next, check out your attitude. Do you delight in honoring Him, or is He just your sugar daddy; Santa in the sky with diamonds. I tremble as I type the words. God is awesome and holy and to be feared and reverenced above all else. Have you ever done anything just because it pleases Him? I bet you have. I bet you sing at the top of your voice even though your buddies from Life Group can hear you and might at any moment report you to the “Off Key Cops.” I bet you give money you’d rather spend on whatever. I bet you go to church when you’re so discouraged you hope nobody asks you how you’re doing because you hate to lie in church. And yes, He noticed and He’s so well pleased.
So since you recognize His care, you delight in honoring Him, go on. Ask Him for success. Ask Him for favor in the eyes of those you deal with daily. Ask Him for these things so that your influence in this world will explode for His glory. What if everyone you met was drawn to the Savior? It definitely could happen! By His grace, remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness!
S’more Psalm 37:3-5 2 Corinthians 12:9
Just what i needed to read today!
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So thankful Diana!
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You touched my heart. I pray you find favor again and are able to sell your house. After God answered our prayers for Hannah in such a wonderful way, I know He is preparing something beyond your wildest dreams…..can’t wait to see it happen.
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Very encouraging Carolyn! Can’t wait!!
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Reblogged this on Stumbling into Grace with SPTP2011 and commented:
The Lord’s Strength
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Sure appreciate you Susie!
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Blessings, Lynna!
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I believe that prayers for my girls are being answered in this way. Every teacher, coach, secretary, room mom, nurse, church person love them! They are truly experiencing favor with those in authority over them. What a blessing! It sure helps to have that favor when their peers are occasionally less than friendly. What a timely word!
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Great prayer for our kids! So true Stephanie!
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