HUMILITY WILL LEAD TO PRAYER

For any who take our faith seriously, immediate threat lingers in the wings.  That intimidation would be known as ego; it awaits to surge forward into control, into action, into self-desiring.  Yet, we are very much required/expected by God to move beneath the courageous banner of faith.

We have a God to be believed and served.  Too, we have a desperate world of hurting and anxious people who need even the slightest whisper of hope.  Ours is the task to present really good news to those who have seldom or rarely heard if there is such a thing.

Because of our broken system, mankind lives in one basic thread; intimidation.  We are afraid to speak, afraid to go against the establishment, and afraid to act.  Rescuing others will require all three.

It will not be our boisterous egos that will blaze the accomplishment trail.  Neither will it be the outspoken nor the rampaging drive of living on mission to put everyone in their places.  No, it will be the reverse.  It will be the style...the life-supplying course...demonstrated by Jesus.

It will not be bold arrogance that will bring true hope.  No, it will be brave humility.  That trait of taking the backseat, finishing in last place, that others might be recognized for their value first is the call of the church.  Humility; the life-style of caring for others first and self last is the effective calculation from above.

This...will demand prayer.  This...however...is where the adamant churchers often wish to opt out.  Prayer is time...much time...spent with God in expression as well as listening.  Prayer doesn't receive a parade of approval from public square.  It is lonely and so often heart-breaking.  Prayer is the final hill to take in the war of defeating human rationale in favor of God provisionale.

If and when we humble ourselves in dependency upon God, we will be more inclined to pray with thanksgiving as well as on true meaningful mission.  Our families will be blessed.  Our colleagues will be blessed.  Our churches will be blessed.  Our communities will be blessed.  Even our enemies will be blessed all because the route of Jesus for each of these was through the devoted freeway of prayer.