m2c Prayer Reflection

Freedom from Fear      

I recall seasons in my ministry when both personal and professional order was so close to being removed. I can say this today: “What a blessing that was!”–not that I would want to repeat the specific activities. But the marvelous blessing that surfaced from these times was learning about time alone with God. During these times God reshaped my entire view of prayer.      

In addition, a favorite passage developed for me. Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing but in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the God of peace, which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Wow!      This is a lesson learned not in theory, thought, or the hypothetical.  You don’t know the strength of this by writing a paper on the subject.  This is a lesson that is taken to heart only in “battle.”  What is the battle?       

The battle surfaces when: 

        • Creative ministry is under assault. 

        • Time is short and the lists are long. 

        • Productivity turns into family discontent. 

        • Scripture is compromised with our own good ideas.

        • Temptations suggest there is a better way than righteousness. 

        • The Gospel and its mission is emasculated for the sake of comfort and acceptance. 

(You can add to this list, I am sure.)       

Such prayer that embraces Paul’s words (inspired by the Holy Spirit) finds rest for the individual. It is not so much in the prayer list that you pray but rather in the quiet of reflection where that rest is found. In this reflection the anxiety evaporates and is replaced by God’s peace. Anxiety does not guard us. It destroys us one bit at a time. But resting in the Lord brings peace. Resting in the Lord stills our fear and quiets our anger. After all, He will guard us in His Son.      

When you pray for the Mission in the Texas District and when you lift up Church Planters, Pastors, Lay Leaders, new efforts, and ongoing mission, pray that the workers are guarded the only way that workers can be, in prayer, where there is rest and where anxiety has no hold.