Today is the 12th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal. During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.
Here is today’s prayer event: I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Matt. 11:25-26 ESV).
Matthew 11 finds Jesus in what could be one of the most discouraging seasons of his life. First, John the Baptist, one of Jesus’ most trusted partners, appears to doubt: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matt. 11:4 ESV). Second, the crowds, who have been so enthusiastic, now appear disappointed with Jesus: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn (Matt. 11:17 ESV).” Third, entire cities in which Jesus has done “most of his mighty works” still appear to be places of spiritual desolation (Matt.11:20) .
It seems that God is no longer in charge. It seems that God is no longer at work. It seems God no longer rules.
I would have responded to this with complaint. Jesus responds with confidence. Through prayer, Jesus remembers who God is. God is still “Lord of heaven and earth.” God is still in charge, in spite of recent events. And through prayer, Jesus remembers what God is doing. God is “hiding” and “revealing.” That is, God is still at work, in spite of recent events. Even in a difficult time, Jesus prayerfully remembers that God still rules–he’s still in charge and he’s still at work.
Take a moment to think of a circumstance in your life which has filled you with disappointment. Things haven’t worked out as you wished. Now pray to God as “Lord of heaven and earth” and confess that He’s still in charge of that circumstance. And, confess in prayer that God’s still working in that situation, despite all appearances.
SHARE WITH OTHER READERS BELOW HOW YOU CONNECT WITH THIS PRAYER OF JESUS.
[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seryo/113055330/]
I have shared with some of you that there is a lot of uncertainty about the Med. Will it get funded? Will it stay open? Will I have a job? Whereas I never want to go through another unemployment period, nor do I wish for my family to have to endure such turmoil, I know, without a shadow of a doubt that God is in charge and He will work out somehow. He has never let me down. He has sustained me thus far through 5 years of graduate school, almost 20 years of marriage, two seriously hospitalized children, and three unemployment periods. And my faith is stronger for having survived it all. Praise be to God for his sustaining grace and loving kindness!
Kevin,
I am in prayer about you and your ministry at the Med.
Chris
For now, Chris, we are funded until June 30, 2010. And for now I have been allowed to remain on teh evening shift, something that is most advantageous to us ecomonically. Most people are confident the Med will remain open. And it may be a while (like several years) before I am shifted to the day shift. But in spite of ALL the uncertainty, I have confidence that the Lord will provide. He always has. Thank you for your prayers.
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