Journey Group Devotional – 8/17/2015
Often we find ourselves praying only after we have exhausted all other resources.
In John 4:43-54, Scripture tells us of a nobleman’s son who was at the point of death. Evidently the nobleman asked Jesus more than once to come and heal his son (verses 47 and 49). He was desperate for help. So he took his problem to the One who was most able to help – Jesus.
How many times do we need help, but go to the wrong sources to find it?
How many couples find themselves in a financial crisis, and go to a credit card thinking it will get them out of the crisis (i.e., more debt)?
How often do people have relationship issues, and end up making the problem worse by talking about it (i.e., gossip)?
How many people turn to alcohol or drugs as a solution to emotional or physical needs, only to find that often makes the problems worse? The problems could be:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Psychological
- Pick-a-problem, any problem!
There is a world of hurts and needs. Our natural tendency is to try to fix it ourselves.
Let’s learn from this story of the nobleman’s son. We can take our problems directly to Jesus. There is no guarantee that He will answer exactly as we ask. However, He will answer our prayers in accordance to what is best for us and what will bring Him ultimate glory. After all, He is God the Son Who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or imagine.
In the case of the nobleman’s son, Jesus simply spoke the word and the nobleman’s son was healed. The nobleman believed the word that Jesus spoke, and went on his way.
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in prayer.
These are great things for every Journey Group member to know. It’s even better if we always Take it to the Lord in Prayer!
