Friday, February 5, 2021
Replace Your Complaints with Prayers
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).
There’s nothing wrong with praying about what you need. If you have a need, bring it to God. The Bible even says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3 NKJV).
But if God doesn’t come through as quickly as you want Him to, don’t falsely accuse Him.
Actually, I think it’s a good idea to write down the things the Lord has done for us because we can forget sometimes. That is what happened to the Israelites in the wilderness. They started complaining because they weren’t reflecting on all that God had done for them.
Just look, however, at what He did. He spared them in Egypt and didn’t allow the plagues to come upon them. He freed them from slavery, parted the Red Sea, and destroyed the Egyptian army. Then He led them step-by-step through the wilderness with the best GPS ever: fire at night and a cloud during the day. He fed them with manna.
And they complained.
Now, think about what God has done for you as a follower of Jesus Christ (because He’s done a lot already). First, He saved you from Hell. He brought you out of darkness into His light. He forgave all your sins and filled you with the Holy Spirit.
Also, He’s provided for you, guided you, and protected you. He may have healed you physically. And He might have even performed a miracle in your life.
God did these things for you. So remember that the next time things aren’t making sense. Remember that the next time you’re tempted to say that God has abandoned you.
No, He hasn’t. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (13:8 NLT). He was with you yesterday, He is with you today, and He will be with you tomorrow.
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