Job

The first line of Oswald Chambers' devotional for this day, October 17 is "Prayer does not equip us for greater works - prayer is the greater work."  I prayed out loud this morning in the quietness of my room, seldom do I do that but for some reason I was nudged, and there really is something remarkably reassuring to hear the praises and requests spoken out loud that I am submitting to the Lord. It sort of gives me a tangible sense that he is listening, even though I know he knows my thoughts.  I came to my desk to write and the "My Utmost for His Highest" book grabbed my attention.  No coincidence, I am sure. God has a way of connecting his dots. We are covering a lot in bible study and one of the thoughts that I continue to hold tight to is Pam's repeated quest to "call down blessings".  It took me a while to absorb her deliberate attempts to get me thinking that way, for when I think of calling someone or something down, it has a negative connotation. She used a analogy of a diver and an air line that was tethered from above the waters to provide necessary provisions for survival.  

One of our necessary provisions down on this Earth is our heavenly life line of communication with God who reigns above.  It is our airway of prayer.  All blessings are handed down from the heavenly realm.  The blessings are homed there, and in order for them to be poured down upon us, we must ask that they be released. I hesitate going to God and asking sometimes, because it seems like I always have something or someone that I am wrestling with, and I hesitate to bother him with my small yearnings or insignificant anxious dilemmas. However, it also occurs to me that He is my heavenly Father and if prayer is the greater work, then it is my job to pray for all things, in all circumstances and for all people. However God has engineered my circumstances, my job is to pray. "When we labor at prayer from God's perspective; there are always results" (Oswald Chambers). 

"Prayer is earthly permission for heavenly intervention.  Prayer can never force God to do something he has never intended to do, but it does release God's will and intention on earth." from Pam's notes. We give God permission because he wants to work through us; he wants to partner his power and will with our obedience and desire.   

In this current political arena, the topic of jobs is a forefront issue of contention. That is an earthly quandary for many who are frustrated, disappointed and disillusioned and have been for quite some time.  And hopefully God will soon give us the tools we need to provide once again, in this economy, a healthy job market arena.  But regarding earthly jobs,  we must remember that our national circumstances are generated by a God approved plan for our country that will get us to the place that he wants us to be. It may very well be: to get us in a position of dependence back on Him and to veer away from manmade policies that do not fit into his vision.  We know not yet what he plan will be. And when the need for earthly jobs are on the rise, and the mental anguish of the unknown has gripped the very hearts of those are desperate to provide for their families, and no hope is in sight, then one thing we can continue to do for now is entertain the open job market in the heavenly realm.  For now, for this time as in any time, prayer is the current job that is available for any who are looking for spiritual employment.  It may not seem tangible but through faith and trust it does reap great rewards of peace and hope. 

Today, just this morning, I have realized that in the spiritual realm, my job is to pray.  I have a boss, and I am to honor my boss,  respect His authority, trust in His vision, and obey His policies. I am to labor not in vain but for the purpose of magnifying the Lord and His Word. This is a boss who has a pure and unwavered resume of success.  He makes the right calls at the right time for the right reasons, all activated by love that transcends human understanding.  Heavenly blessings are not always what we request but they are always what God knows that we need. 

Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Prayer is our life line. It is the one incentive for hope that remains constantly available and knows no bounds. Authentic prayer expects results; not on our time frame but on God's. As with any job, we are to stay focused on the mission.  God's mission is for us to know Him,  love Him and serve Him in all capacities, even if the job that he has designated for us to do is not so comfortable. If we stay connected to His lifeline of prayer, we can be assured that through all of our circumstances, he will give us:  courage to persevere,  strength to endure in the midst of adversity,  wisdom to proceed in His direction,  truth of HIs promises, faith in His management,  and  His grace that keeps us from falling. 

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Prayer is a job that has guaranteed benefits, access to heavenly blessings beyond our imaginings, and is operated by an all knowing, loving master whose resume is one sided, only victories, and no defeats.  Who wouldn't want to work for someone such as this?   May we pray first that we know him better, and then faithfully trust him more, so that our lives will be reflect a heavenly operation that manifests God's power and authority and perfect ways. Call down the blessings that God has stored above, and prayerfully ask God to release the gifts that he has stored up for you.    

Dear Lord, 

Let me be anxious each day to get up and pray, praising your hold name and and trusting in your ways.  Make my heart one that yearns for your direction and appreciates the circumstances that you have allowed me to be be in, knowing that through them you will

strengthen my faith and work them our according to your will. Amen            

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!