Draw Near to God

QUESTION: Draw Near to God

ANSWER:

Draw Near to God – Insights from God’s Word
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what had been made, so that men are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20

Draw Near to God – Prepare for the Race
Prayer: Lord, what do I say to my King who has given all He has to give and still remains faithful to a people who struggle with pride and selfish ambition? How does a righteous and pure God still keep His eyes of love focused on the people who still choose to live for themselves and their own needs over the needs of His Kingdom? We are all guilty, my King, every single one of us. Yet, still You look with fondness on this often battered and bruised army of believers, and You remind us that You still have much for us to do, and that You will use us -- even in our fractured state -- if we truly want to be used.

I am awestruck at Your grace and mercy when I look deep within my own being and see the naked truth of my own heart, mind, soul, body and spirit. Yet, still I feel Your love for me, and still I recognize Your patience as I struggle to lay down the comfort zones and bindings that keep me from growing deeper and moving ahead.

I pray today for all of us to recognize that time is precious -- it is a gift, and we are challenged every day to use it for Your glory. Recognizing that there is still time to get this one right, I cry out to You asking for Your revelations to fall on Your people. I cry out for truth and righteousness, purity of motivation, and integrity of spirit to be revealed in Your people. I cry out for more time to get it right and to get Your army ready for battle.

Help all of us who are called by Your Name to step up to the plate now and grab the time that is at hand and use it for spiritual growth, restoration, and reconciliation. Above all, draw them closer to the flame of Your passion where they will be ignited to step up and step out.

Lord, You are infinite in Your wisdom -- You are the Lord of Hosts who stands ready to ride in splendor and glory into the heart of the darkness that now reigns in this world. You are calling out to Your kids to get ready, to fill their lamps to the brim with Your oil. You are calling Your leaders to their rightful places, and You are removing those who are false and have taken their leadership on their own shoulders instead of waiting for You to present it to them.

All around the world now, Your people who have been laboring quietly in their own individual churches, neighborhoods, business, and villages are being prepared with fighting armor to step up and step out. Your leaders chosen by You are being revealed every new day, and many are now getting into their positions. I pray, Lord, that You would give all these people everything they need as sustenance for the road that lies ahead. I ask You to reveal whatever darkness is around them as they pray this prayer, and then I ask You to give them Your wisdom and Your strength to lead as You direct.

Thank You, Jesus, that You are also helping me to see that even though we appear to be far less than a glorious army right now, You are helping us to grow at an accelerated rate, and You are refining us and turning us into an army that will not be defeated. Help us to focus, Jesus, as You want us to focus. Help us to recognize the attacks disguised as discouragement, fear, and lack of vision.

It is all about You, Jesus, and it is now the time for all of us, whether we are leaders or warriors or soldiers in training, to recognize where we are, and to step up and step out. You have promised to give us all we need to fight against the evil that is blinding us to our own selfish patterns. I pray for wisdom to see the blindings, and strength and resolve to escape the patterns. There is no greater privilege than the privilege of being called by You -- and no matter how weak we may think we are, You will give us everything we need to rid ourselves of our weak nature so we can focus on You and Your call.

Thank You, Jesus, that You have given us this time to do what You ask. Thank You that we can still grow stronger in our faith. Thank You that You are ready right now, as we close this prayer, to reveal Your purposes to Your people -- if they will ask You. I pray they will now ask. To You be all the honor and glory!

Draw Near to God – Making it Personal
Reflect: As I prayed today, I was very grateful that the Lord has given us time to prepare -- to get ready. I was awestruck at His multiple gifts of grace and mercy that I recognize more and more each day. This was also a warning to get ready, get our armor polished and our minds, hearts, souls, and spirits ready by nourishing them with His Holy Word -- and understanding His promises. Remember God has promised to give us all we need to accomplish His purposes, so don’t be left behind at the starting gate when the race begins. Now is the time to prepare -- begin today!