Word of Encouragement (1/7/2021)

Yesterday, we saw the fragility of the security, which the city of man promises. All that we have worked for can be taken away overnight (by a fatal accident) or by unexpected events (such as COVID-19 or wars or natural disasters). We also spoke of prayer as our declaration that our hope is in God, not in the promises that the city of man offers. But what is it that we are hoping for from God? Is it that, if we pray to God, God gives us the security for keeping what we value in this world, which the city of man cannot guarantee? But is that true? If we pray diligently and faithfully, are we free from unexpected sicknesses and accidents and other tragedies?

It is possible that, through prayer, we might be spared from many troubles, possibly more than we can ever know, but not from all. Though we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we still live in the fallen world. Death has lost its sting and sorrows their bitterness because of Jesus’ suffering and death in our place. But we still have suffering and pain and will have to face death someday. God will not spare us from all troubles—that’s for heaven. In fact, because of Jesus Christ, God can use them for our own good. As C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” God uses pain and suffering to call sinners to repentance, for sure. But God uses them also to advance His faithful servants to a higher plane. Then, prayer is not the way to escape from troubles. Why pray, then?

First of all, how would you feel if you had neglected to pray (which is usually a good indication of neglecting one’s spiritual walk) and something “bad” happened to you or your family? Would you see it as God’s way of advancing your faith from good to great? Or, would you see it as God’s severe mercy, disciplining you for your spiritual complacency? Even in the latter case, God would be doing it for your good because God loved you; He cannot hate someone for whom His Son laid down His life to save. But your spiritual negligence caused Him grief and He had to express His love for you in fatherly discipline, which at times can be severe (though out of love, depending on how stubborn you are). Wouldn’t you be struck with a deep sense of guilt, not only for neglecting your spiritual life but also for grieving your loving heavenly Father?

Praying (and living in faithfulness) to God does not guarantee a trouble-free life. But it will help you not to be led into temptation and protect you from evil (Matt. 6:12). When hardships come, you will be able to experience the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7), rather than suffer the affliction of guilt and remorse in addition to the hardships—not to mention all the lost time of intimate fellowship with God (for which Jesus suffered and died) by not praying.

If you have been neglecting prayer, now is the time to change before the time of God’s discipline comes. It may be difficult at the beginning. Or, God may bless you with a sweet time of prayer. The important thing is that you do not put it off any longer. I want to encourage you to join our weekly prayer meetings if you find it difficult to pray on your own. May the Lord help you taste the goodness of the Lord as you turn to Him in prayer!

‍