Godβs Ever-Present Help
God promises to be with us always, especially in times of need (Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 46:1). Hebrews 13:5-6 Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.β So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Recognizing that God is ever-present gives us confidence and peace as we face lifeβs challenges. Knowing that God is close also means we can reach out to Him through prayer, inviting His power into our situations.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that can reach places we cannot go and accomplish what we cannot do. When we pray in Jesusβ name, our prayers go beyond physical limitations. They touch the spiritual realm, where Godβs influence is at work. Speaking in tongues, for example, brings the power of God to bear on mysteries we cannot understand in our own wisdom.
Going Beyond Prayer: Seeking Instruction
While prayer is essential, it is often only the first step. Scripture teaches that there is an additional step: seeking Godβs instruction. This is vital because God often desires that we act on His guidance rather than waiting passively. The question, “Lord, what would you have me do?” should be part of our prayer life, opening us to His instructions for our next steps.
Living by Godβs Principles, Not Just by Miracles
Miracles are extraordinary acts of Godβs power, but they are not meant for everyday reliance. Godβs best for us is not continuous miracles but a life guided by His principles. In Genesis, God set up an ordered world for us to live in. Similarly, God wanted Israel to live by the blessings in Canaan, not by continuous miracles as they had in the wilderness.
Receiving Instruction in Scripture
In many Biblical miracles, Godβs intervention was preceded by specific instructions. For instance:
- In Exodus 14:10-16, when Israel faced the Red Sea, Moses was instructed to stay calm and trust God. God then told him to lift his staff to part the waters.
- In John 2:1-11, Jesusβ first miracle at the wedding in Cana involved detailed instructions: the servants filled jars with water, and it was transformed into wine.
These examples show that God often provides specific guidance before performing miracles, emphasizing the importance of listening and acting on His word.
Listening for Godβs Guidance in Daily Life
To experience the fullness of Godβs blessings, we need to develop an ear for His voice and follow His guidance. Each time we pray, we should ask God, βWhat would you have me do?β By seeking His instruction, we position ourselves to receive practical solutions and timely direction.
- Timing and Seasons β There is a time for everything. When we seek Godβs guidance, we learn the right time to act and the seasons for certain activities.
- Hearing and Discernment β All believers have access to Godβs voice through the Holy Spirit. By practicing discernment, we can recognize His voice and follow His leading.
Conclusion
God is always ready to help us, yet He often calls us to act on His principles and instructions rather than passively awaiting miracles. As we pray, let us also ask, βLord, what would you have me do?β This mindset of seeking Godβs guidance allows us to live by His principles and experience His blessings fully. By listening and obeying, we draw closer to His purpose for our lives and find ourselves in the right place at the right time.
