- James
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“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.” – James 5:13a NIV
What kind of trouble is James writing about? Any kind, really. The trouble could be related to health issues, grief, disappointment, persecution, or even some type of financial loss.
So what do we pray for? Well, you can certainly pray for the removal of the situation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
However there is an important fact to remember about God and prayer. In prayer, it is not so important that God pays attention to us, as that we pay attention to God. We need to pay attention to God and the fact that He might have a greater purpose for our trouble…and that the greater purpose might not be served in the removal of trouble.
Sometimes, although we might not understand it at the time, God may not remove the trouble from our lives because the trouble might be for our ultimate good as well as a means to bring glory to His name. God’s name is not just glorified when prayers are answered to bring about the end of our trouble. His name can also glorified in how He uses the trouble in our lives for His purposes.
So, pay attention to God and let him show you what great plan He has in your time of trouble. Don’t just be telling Him how He needs to work it out. Make conforming your will to His part of your prayer. Make wisdom to use the situation for His glory part of your prayer as well.
And pray for strength. Because while God might not always remove your trouble…you can rest assured that He will give you strength to fulfill your part of His plan.
Your Pastor,
David Hulme
Senior Pastor