Bathe Others & Bathe Life Situations—in Prayer
This week, a man I have known my whole life will face a physical battle as he begins an extensive treatment for his Leukemia.
This week, a woman I have known for her whole life will continue to care for the children God has given to her, boys who need 24/7 care, even though she struggles with her own physical health issues.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, . . .”
(Colossians 4:2a NASB)
This week, a family friend’s brother-in-law continues his fight with bone cancer, as he receives treatment that is designed to give him better quality of life.
Last week, a man I know was falsely accused of a most heinous crime, one he would never dream of committing.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;”
(Colossians 4:2 NASB)
Last week, a woman made an accusation, days after the incident occurred, searching for a way to pay for that which she has lost.
Two weeks ago, a young lady, whom I love dearly, left for a backpacking journey in Zuid (South) America, searching for insight.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;”
praying at the same time for us as well, [praying for missionaries] . . .”
(Colossians 4:2-3a NASB)
Yesterday, a young lady, whom I love dearly, called to tell me about a health issue she has been facing, one that seems to be progressing, causing her to be more concerned.
Weeks ago, a colleague met with me, tearful as she spoke of her impending divorce, a horrible struggle she never dreamed she would ever face.
Days ago, a person I love was called by God to go, but she does not yet know where God is sending her; nevertheless, she has prayed, saying, “Yes, God, I will go wherever You lead.”
Each semester, students struggle with daily needs & concerns—things they cannot face all alone.
The Apostle Paul knew what it was to be beaten, for at one time (as Saul, the accuser), he had been the one who was making the accusations.
The Apostle Paul knew what it was to be hungry, for he, at times (as Paul the preacher of the Gospel) had been hungry to the point of death.
And Paul knew what it was to be imprisoned and killed, for he, as Saul, the accuser, who became Paul the preacher of the Gospel, endured his own imprisonment & finally his own beheading. The Apostle Paul was able to endure all things through his faith in Jesus Christ, his Savior & Redeemer. Therefore, it is the Apostle Paul who writes the words God gave to him to write, words that we can faithfully read within God’s Holy Word.
Despite what this world brings to us—
- May we continually pray, &
- May we read God’s Word, &
- May we be encouraged!
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;”
praying at the same time for us as well, [praying for missionaries] that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I also have been imprisoned,
that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.”
(Colossians 4:2-4 NASB)
God surrounds the ones facing health issues with a family who loves them & with their church family, & they bathe them continually in prayer.
God surrounds the ones facing overwhelming life-paths with a supportive family & with their church family, & they bathe them continually in prayer.
God surrounds those who have been falsely accused, as those who love them bathe them continually in prayer.
God surrounds those who seem to have lost everything, as the Christians who know them bathe them continually in prayer.
God surrounds sons & daughters as their families bathe them continually in prayer.
God surrounds colleagues with their family & Christian friends & with their church family who promise to continually bathe them in prayer.
God surrounds missionaries who have been called to go, to leave what they know, to serve & Christian brothers & sisters in Christ promise to bathe them continually in prayer.
God surrounds students who face daily battles, as Christian teachers daily bathe them in prayer.
So many needs & So many ways & So many concerns & So many troubles. Where should we turn; where should we go?
The world says: “Where is your God?”
And the believers cry, “HE is right here, with us!”
We may face life situations where we just want to throw up our hands and exclaim, “Why me Lord!”
We may face joblessness, hunger, sickness, the death of a loved one, false accusations, betrayal by our “thought-to-be” friends, struggles unimaginable.
Yes, we may!
Whatever God allows for us to go through, let us always remember: We Can—Because of what Jesus did for us upon the cross of Calvary!
We may face impossible life-situations, things we just don’t understand & things we just don’t know if we can walk through anymore, but the Bible theologian J. Vernon McGee wrote these words to help us remember—“Whatever Christ has for you to do, HE will supply the power.”
God says, “IN ME, YOU CAN!”
God says, “CHILD, I’VE GOT—YOU!”
God says, “MY CHILD, JUST BOW TO PRAY & TRUST ME!”
Let us never give up—PRAYING—but Let us be continually faithful to Bathe Others in Prayer!
Chris Tomlin & Steffany Gretzinger sing the melody “O Lord, You’re Beautiful,” reminding us through song WHO’S face we are to seek—DAY-BY-DAY-BY-DAY-BY-DAY—As We Walk Through This Life.
In the Old Testament, David faced many challenges (self-brought & world-brought). Today, we leave with the words God gave David to write, words written within God’s Word—to deliver us from fear & to encourage us to endure whatever trial, whatever struggle, & whatever life-situation we may be facing today.
- May we Bathe Others in Prayer
- May we read together & May we believe God at His Word!
“I have called upon You, for You will answer me, God;
Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.
Show Your wonderful faithfulness,
Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them. . . .
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.”
(Psalm 17: 6-7 & 15 NASB)