Praying For People Even When They Don't Seem To Care

…men always ought to pray and not lose heart. —Luke 18:1

Are there people in your life that you care deeply about that you watch as they struggle in life. Making poor choices, suffering the consequences and then making more poor choices.  Do you believe that God can make a difference in their lives?  Has He made a difference in yours?  We tend to look at what people might “do” differently rather than how they might trust differently.  

People who choose poorly do so because they have full confidence in their ability to accomplish whatever it is that they must accomplish.  They just have to try harder or again.  Watching them floundering in life, we want them … try to wish them into … choosing better … to not give in to whatever is disrupting any possibility of them experiencing joy.  Often, with great sorrow, we have little confidence that they will be successful. The problem is that we too, have lost focus on the solution to their dilemma. 

The solution is not doing more … but doing less and trusting God more.  That is a faith transaction.  No amount of wishing or wanting is going to make that happen.  So what to do.  We must intercede for them with the One who is able to do more than we can ask or think.

[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us - Ephesians 3:20

The prayers of a righteous man (person) are powerful and effective. - James 15:16  

Do you believe that? Someone once said that the only part of the Bible that you believe is the part that you obey.  If I could make someone want to do right and act on it, I would, but I can’t.  I cannot change a heart .. only God can do that.  So if I want a heart changed for the good, I must turn to the One who can do that.  BUT … He will not force His will on anyone .. that person must yield their heart … and what of they don’t or more correctly won’t?  Then you will be heart broken … just like the Father is as He watches millions reject His great Gift and Hope, Jesus.  But don’t lose hope .. don’t stop praying .. don’t stop trusting .. don’t stop caring … Keep looking to the hills from which our help comes! 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip he who watches over you will not slumber - Psalm 121:1-3

(My Grandma Elgin's favorite Psalm by the way)

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Rejoice! Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone