We choose worry or prayer—not both
This week’s story comes from my good friend Wayne Kempton, author, retired pastor, retired federal special agent.
Doug was one of the students who established a local chapter of the Christian Legal Society (CLS). The CLS consists of Christian lawyers, judges, and students.
One student hated the idea of a Christian group meeting on campus and brought the matter before the Student Council. We were called to defend our presence on campus.
Each of us was eager to argue our case, but Doug was certain the Lord was calling him to do so. We agreed.
Doug went before the Council without preparing any arguments. Why? Jesus said, “…when they bring you before… the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:11-12). So, Doug prayed and trusted the Spirit.
Doug told the Council he had been a major drug distributor in New York where he lived a life of luxury… until he was arrested, convicted, and imprisoned.
While Doug was in solitary confinement, he was confronted with his sin and his need for a Savior. Falling down on his knees, Doug cried out, “O God!”
After hearing Doug’s testimony, the Council approved our meeting on campus.
In my subsequent career in law enforcement, I prayed with confidence for every prisoner I ever arrested. I know there are no prison walls too thick for our Lord to enter.
Doug, you see, was truly Free Behind Bars.
Wayne’s story first encourages us to imbed prayer in our daily lives, and Doug’s example teaches us to: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything…Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT). Anything that concerns us, that can impact our lives, that represents a decision we can make, stress, jobs, family life, praying about any concern, is God’s will for us. But why do we pray like this?
First, prayer changes things. Anonymous, that famous author, believed that heaven is filled with answers to un-prayed prayers. Sometimes, we don’t because we don’t ask. No, this doesn’t guarantee every request well be answered in the way we desire, but prayers do change lives. Some say praying changes the one that prays, I believe that. Notice the result that Paul gave of choosing prayer over worry: we get God in ways we can’t understand. Prayer aligns us with God more deeply.
Second, our physical or environmental situation in no way limits our ability to pray. Doug prayed in prison, and God stepped in. Paul wrote this encouragement to always pray while chained in a prison in Philippi. Any prison, of our own or other’s construction, can hinder our ability contact God in prayer.
Our conclusion: we choose worry or prayer. Both can’t exist well at the same time.
Kick Starting the Application
Most of us, including me, feel inadequate about the time spent in prayer. How do you feel about yours? How can you bring God more deeply into your life?