THANK YOU THERAPY FOR PEACE
Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Twelve-year-old Jeremy kneeled by his bed. With clenched hands atop his mattress, he prayed, “Heavenly Father, please have the junior high coaches name me to the league’s ‘All-Star’ football team. Please. Please. Please! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jeremy jumped into bed. After a few minutes, he rolled over.
“What’s up?” Jeremy’s fifteen-year-old brother asked from across the room.
“Important stuff.”
A soft tap knuckled on their door.
“Come in,” Michael called.
Dad entered saying, “I won't stay long. I noticed worry wrinkles etched your forehead, Jeremy. Is there anything that you’d like to talk about?”
Jeremy sighed. “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of this.”
Dad chuckled, “Well it IS a big deal to me. AND whatever concerns you is also a big deal to God.”
“I want to be named to the league’s football ‘All-Star’ team, Dad.” Jeremy caved.
“Ah, that explains your stress! Did you pray about this?”
“Yes.”
“Did you ask in Jesus’ name?” dad inquired.
Jeremy confided, “I always add ‘in Jesus’ name’ before ending prayers.”
“Did you thank God for all His blessings?”
“Uh, not sure.” Jeremy answered, feeling sunk.
Dad said, “No request is too hard for God. Your position on the ‘All-Star’ team doesn’t deny anyone else.”
“I pled for it, Dad—showing how badly I want it!”
“You’re a dearly-loved child of the Most High! He wants more than anything to grant you good things that make you happy,” dad confirmed. “Just ask and trust that God will provide whatever is best for you.”
“Okay.”
“Be careful using Jesus’ name,” dad said.
“Jesus said to ask for whatever we want in His name, and it will be ours,” Michael interjected.
Dad audibly sighed. “God is not a genie. Jesus wanted to advise His disciples (and us) that His resurrection changed things. We’re to direct prayers to the Father.” (See the lesson linked below).
Dad continued, “God hears our prayers and always answers what is best. Adding ‘in Jesus’ name’ to prayer isn’t magical. Our Savior suffered too much, spilled too much blood, and died a horrible death.”
Take Home Nugget
“Because we believe in Jesus, our Father adopts us. We’re urged to pray to the Father for anything. Jesus intercedes for us now. God knows that we need Jesus’ support!”
“Let’s pray together,” dad said. “Heavenly Father, We offer You thanks for our loving home and every blessing. We trust that however You respond to Jeremy’s request is for his best! Thank You for loving and caring for us. We pray this in the precious name of our Savior Jesus, Amen.
J.D. Griffith
For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment