"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right
alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't
matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless
sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows
our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so
sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something
good." (MSG, Romans 8:26-28)
Have you ever been completely exhausted and discouraged? During such
circumstances, we can easily have no idea how or what to pray. All we can say in
our despair is, "Father help me!"
If this is the case, come into the presence of our Father's Holy Spirit and let
him fill you with His love. It will invigorate you! Even when you have no
strength to pray, He will intercede on your behalf. After all, "He knows us far
better than we know ourselves." He knows our needs. He knows when we are
exhausted. He knows that we still love our Heavenly Father.
The text refers to our "pregnant condition". In other words, it's quite obvious
to our Father what we are going through. We don't have any reason to worry about
anything. Our Heavenly Father is aware of our situation. He will turn our
situation, "into something good." We are in good hands, God's hands!
Some of the best times I've had with my wife during moments of tribulation, is
when she and I take out daily walk together... In silence! Our silence proclaims
we have had a hard day, and after a while, we began to hunger for prayer, and
God's Holy Spirit came through big time. Once at home we both were revitalized.
Amazing, but true.
I remember vividly an incident that happened last summer when we were in
Germany. We took a hike through the Black Forest. We stopped first at the info
center in Toodmoos and the clerk gave us a map with directions. Our trek was
supposed to last 1 ½ hours, and we were supposed to end up at our rental car.
It didn't happen!
When we climbed down the mountain, the map didn't concur with our surroundings.
Our only choice was to continue through the forest, not knowing where we were
heading. Once out of the woods, we were completely lost. Nearby was a church,
which was closed. What were we to do?
Even though we were exhausted, we became excited when we met an elderly lady.
She was so nice. She took the time to understand our poor German and spoke
slowly and clearly so we could understand her excellent command of the language.
And this, she was able to give us the direction we so needed.
While heading back to our vehicle, we reminded ourselves of the highlight of our
trek: An impressive waterfall with a sign that was not talking about evolution.
Instead a verse from the Psalms was indicated, giving all glory to our Heavenly
Father! "Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight
in them." (Ps 111:2, NIV2)
Once at the car we were good to go again! "For God is worked into something
good."
Why worry when we have such a caring Father. We may end up a bit lost, but our
Father has a heart for the lost!
Are you lost and exhausted? Do you need directions? What a great opportunity to
experience your Heavenly Father fully. He will come through for you. Hurray!
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me
and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." (Matthew
11:28, Message)
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.