“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many…For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ…It is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  2 Corinthians 1:8-11,20 (NIV)

Dear Father of Yes!

We don’t want to be uninformed. We know, even at this moment, around the world, there is suffering. There are people in harm’s way. There are those trying to rescue and defend them. And we who are here and not there, are essential to their good, their needs for this life and the one to come. With the same confidence You gave Paul, we trust You, our God, Who can even raise Your servants from the dead to fulfill all Your good and worthy plans. 

Thank you that we can know, by Your Spirit in us, how to pray the effective prayers of the righteous, to You the God Who is able to say “Yes!” and has the power to bring it to pass. We trust You hear our pleas for this broken world. We trust that You will answer them according to Your Perfect Will. We do not always know how to pray, but even our feeble attempts are heard by Your most attentive Fathering heart. You know that it is us, Your own beloved children, who cry out to You, on behalf of others! You are the Deliverer Who continues to Deliver. All our hope is in You, Your Sovereignty, Your Goodness and Willingness to save. We pray Your grace and mercy be poured out because Your children are asking, (How we love to remind You we are Yours) for the many who call upon the Name of the Lord and those who at this time, don’t know how. Say “Yes.” Father, in Your way, in Christ, Jesus!

In Jesus Name Forever

Photo Credit: Alena Jarrett; https://unsplash.com/photos/aOm1qcNc6Lw