Letters Written on Our Hearts

When my precious grandson was 4 years old, he and his family were visiting us. Since they live in California, we try to fit in lots of time with his three cousins who live two hours from us. It was the last day of their visit, and his older sister asked if the cousins would be coming one more time. When we told them no, she said “well that’s disappointing!”. Without a blink, Arthur said “well I’m not disappointed! (long pause). My heart is breaking into a thousand pieces!”

Has your adult heart ever been there…heart split in two?

Have you ever had that moment when you are totally overwhelmed with life?

Has your servant heart screamed to help in the middle of your helplessness?

Have you realized that “Fixer Upper” is a show on television and not your calling?

What about when you pull out of your back pocket the Sunday School answer and then (deep sigh) say half-heartedly, “well I guess I could pray”.

As one who was raised in the church Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening and sometimes days in-between, (thanks Mom and Dad in heaven), I have been this “religious” person plenty of times. Church words and pat answers roll off my tongue from my brain and memory, with my worn-out heart dis-engaged. Especially when it comes to prayer. How easy it is to click a praying hands emoji on my computer rather than take the time for a heartfelt conversation with my heavenly Father about the request or need. 

There are other times when God’s Word is so alive, fresh, life-giving and relevant that I am on fire to “tell of the works of the Lord”. When I lack the words to share my heart, I pray the Scripture back to God and find myself communicating with Him as I talk to him and then listen to Him as I read His Word and hear the soft quiet voice of the Holy Spirit within. I so want others to seek and find this personal Jesus who walks with us through trials and yes, even suffering. Jesus, who knows every detail of our life, our thoughts, our fears, and our grief.

That’s when I realize that I have no words to communicate this intimate time with the Lord. The Good News, the Word of God, however, explains it clearly. Those God-breathed divine words can speak to you right now too! If you haven’t trusted Christ personally, he is just one prayer away! John 3:16 has a loving message for you. And your prayer can be as simple as confessing your sin and asking Christ to be your personal Savior.

 If you have trusted Christ personally, the Holy Spirit lives within you to counsel you, give you wisdom and comfort you. He speaks to you through the Bible. He even approaches God the Father on your behalf with deep emotion.

Today’s Treasure:

1. Read through 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 and ask God to give you understanding and insight into its’ meaning. 

2. Write down in a notebook or journal how this passage speaks to you personally.

3. Write a personal prayer to God, sharing what’s on your heart.

Here are some verses that stood out to me:

“We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed-beyond our strength-so that we even despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raised the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.”  vs 8-11.

• Paul and Timothy wanted the church at Corinth to join with them in praying because it was helpful.
• When many prayed for God’s protection, it was seen as gift they received from their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Take away: Remember the value and power of prayer the next time the enemy tempts you to doubt its effectiveness and importance both personally and corporately. Prayer works! God hears you, although His answers do not always align with our desires. Prayer is helpful! Prayer is effective (“the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” James 5:16b NASB. Prayer is a gift you can give a brother or sister in Christ.

If you would like to know more about how to identify and overcome obstacles to having a meaningful quiet time, check out Repurposed Faith: Breathing New Life Into Your Quiet Time in the book store.

by Rosie J. Williams