He Is Praying For You Today

Photo credit: stumblett777

The past couple of days, I have been privy to all manner of the heartaches and concerns of others. I certainly do have a few of my own as well.

After praying for these dear ones, I opened my Bible this morning and read these words of Jesus spoken to Peter from The Message translation: “Peter, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through this time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” (Luke 22:31-32).

If you are going through a rough time as you read this, let those words settle into your troubled heart.

Are you ready to give in? Do you feel like any moment now you are going to give out?

Know that just as Jesus prayed for Peter, so He is praying for you in this very moment.

Pause for just a moment and insert your name into that very prayer: “_____________, I’ve prayed for you in particular, that you not give in or give out. When you have come through this time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” 

I also want you to pay close attention to the important word “when” in this verse. Jesus is telling Peter ( and you) two things here:

1) You will not be in this season of trial forever (though it might feel like it)
2) You will come through this

And when you do, you will have a message of HOPE to share with someone who is coming up the trail behind you, weary and discouraged. You can joyfully tell them that with Jesus, there is ALWAYS  a fresh start! Just as you have seen and experienced His faithfulness to you, you can hold out that same  assurance to your fellow brother or sister, assuring them that because Jesus lives and loves, blazing hope and joy is theirs in abundance!

Your words will ring with authority because you have been there! You have fought the battle. You have clung to His Word like a drowning person clings to a life raft. You have chosen to believe His eternal Word in the face of temporary circumstances when it looked like the darkness was winning (that is always an illusion. Darkness and death never have the final say. The Cross says so). You have been determined to walk in the Light of His love and His promised and certain Presence, refusing to let the darkness overtake your soul. And even in those times when you have faltered and may have fallen, you have gotten back on your feet to fight another day.

You have a Jesus story. You have journeyed with Him and know Him in ways you never dreamed were possible.

Open your mouth today and tell your story! Nobody can do that for you!

There is literally an ocean of need out there…right outside of your door.  People in this dark and dying world need to hear your story of  the hope and peace and joy and light that only Jesus beings.

Tell it!

And before you walk out that door into what are certain to be divine appointments of those who desperately need to know that there is a Savior who live and loves, take the following to heart. These are the things that Jesus Himself is praying into your sweet life this very moment from John 17 (Amplified version):

*that His joy may be made full and complete in you (v. 13)

*that you may experience His delight (v. 13)

*that His gladness will fill your heart (v. 13)

*that you will be protected from the enemy (v.15)

*that you would be sanctified, purified, consecrated, and holy by the Word of Truth (v. 17)

*for unity with Him and other believers (v. 21)

*that you would know His anticipation of you being with Him face to face, so that you may see Him in all of His extravagant and dazzlingly beautiful glory (v. 24)

*that His very love will be felt in your hearts. (v. 26).

Hold on, Dear One.

Your Deliverer is on His way. He is praying for you. He is working it all out in ways that will astound you. He is drawing you closer to His heart.

And when He comes…go and tell.