In desperate times
When we hear of bad news, what is the first thing that we do? Is it not to call a friend or family, we don’t keep it to our selves especially when it could affect our very lives. The sharing of important topics like the surge of Covid is the talk of the town; as we say in our culture “la novela nueva”. We don’t really achieve anything by sharing with others the news, in fact, situations become worse because we induce more stress and fear. But, when we pray about those things that affect our lives, we can be assured that our topics of concerns will be attended (1Jh5:14-15). But, how do we know that God has attended to our prayer? The psalmist said that when he prayed God did attend to his prayer (Ps66:19), and he said with a certain assurance because he used the word “truly”. John and David speak about an assurance that is greater than any other, and this is defined as a trust level that one stands under; firmly secured under. The Lord said to Joshua be strong and courageous (Jo1:9).
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Now, in a time when Daniel needed to pray he did. It wasn’t a time to be passive and leave the matter alone. It was a dangerous time where the lives of every believer was at risk. Every person that prayed was going to be casted int the lions den. And, Daniel while being totally conscientious of the threat, continued his prayer devotion three times a day with thanks giving. The people of Israel in the times of Ezra came across a similar situation they were harassed for building the house of God. With one hand the built and with the other hand they fought and with thanksgiving they worshipped the Lord (Ez3:11). Prayer with thanksgiving is key even when everything is probably does not merit thanks. One needs a measure of faith to actually give thanks in a moment of hardship or pain, and the disciples found themselves in a situation where they could not cast a demon out from this child whose parent was struggling with faith (Mt17:19-20). The measure of faith the disciples had was little in portion. Jesus preferred size over portion of faith.
1 John 5:14-15
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Psalm 66:19
but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Ezra 3:11
11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”