Prayer Pointers – 25 March 2021
Do not be anxious, find peace in God
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Similar to Matthew 6:25, Peter echos Jesus’ instructions to not be anxious about anything. Turn to God for everything; from the clothes we wear, the food we eat. In prayer, bring Him all our thanksgiving and requests.
Today, EAST held our first eOpen House and moments before going live, we encountered some technical difficulties. While we figured out the problem, the anxiety and panic began to build. At this moment, we prayed for God to be with us and if he willed it, to help us execute this eOpen House to the best of our ability. The problem was resolved, and the eOpen House was carried out and completed smoothly.
Sometimes, it will be difficult to stop ourselves from feeling anxious. It is very human to panic in the face of uncertainty. This verse from Paul and Jesus’ words in Matthew reminds us to stop constantly looking forward and around us during these times and instead look up, and find peace in our God who will guard our hearts and minds.
God’s Strength and Provision
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is about living the Christian life. In Chapter 4:10-20 specifically, Paul speaks of God’s provision. He thanks the Philippians for their concern, but expresses that it was not needed. Paul has everything he needs when he has Christ. He is content no matter his situation, through Christ who strengthens him.
Do not take the verse out of context. Paul is not saying that God will empower all believers to accomplish anything they desire. God’s strength enables us to endure hardship and persecution, as Paul himself was experiencing at the time. Trust in the Lord’s timing and provision in everything we go through, so we can be content and not be consumed by greed and materialism.
That is Paul’s secret to contentment and the key takeaway from this part of his letter. Trust God, so much so that you can say: “Through Him, I can endure all difficulties no matter how seemingly insurmountable they may seem.”
Am I Willing To Be a Servant?
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV) “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”
Be it chores, homework, or other responsibilities, it can be incredibly difficult to do the things we are told to do. Yet here, Paul says to not just do these things, but to also do so without complaining or arguing.
Versatile in the Gospel
Photo by Chris Lawton. Design by Jonathan Yao.
“12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:12-13 (ESV)
“19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. … 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:19, 22-23 (NIV)
“2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
“Be willing to change because life won’t stay the same.” – Anonymous
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