(Matt. 6:10) “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven...” One of the most important lessons that Christ taught his disciples concerning prayer, was to accept and agree with His Father’s will. Prayer is more than just making requests to God it’s also learning to agree with God. If we believe that God controls the events and circumstances of life, then the only one that can change things or answer requests is God. Therefore, prayer has a purpose. 1) Our Sanctification. Sin separates us from God (Ps. 66:18). Therefore, as Christians we must learn to walk in obedience to God’s Word to be heard of God. In the above verse God desires that His Kingdom come to this earth, and it does so every time a sinner repents and turns to Christ, but also when a believer starts to walk in His holiness. 2) Our Abiding in Christ. God desires that we grow close to him and rely on him. In (John 15) those that “abide” in him receive not only answered prayer (v.7), but favor with God (v.10), and the souls of men (v.16). 3) Our Humiliation. If you are going to accept the will of God you are going to have to learn humility. (Matt. 6:33) tells us to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness...” Jesus Christ humbly sought the needs of others before his own. God’s will therefore is achieved when we humble ourselves in Christ-like obedience and righteousness. 4) Our Consecration. “Thy will be done,” This is surrendering our will on earth to God’s will from heaven. God expects us to not only seek Him reverently, but also to serve Him obediently. For God answers the prayers of the doers of His Word more than the prayers of the hearers only. “The prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
( Gen 41:41-43) “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt... A nd he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.” When Joseph was introduced to us in chp.37, he was a young inexperienced 17 year old boy, and yet 13 years later God raised him up to rule the nation of Egypt. So, what made him different ? The Answer : “ Time,” and his faith in God ! You see time is a wonderful teacher; 1) Time strengthens endurance . Endurance and faith can only be strengthened over time. Like exercise, we start out not able to do much but over time we find that we can do more. You see, God allows us to go through the ups and downs of life, to help us gain not only spiritual maturity, but also spiritual abilities. Spiritual endurance therefore enables us to handle life’s trials better. 2) Time strengthens patience . Although Joseph, ...
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