Prayer with the power to move mountains
Advent
I can almost hear The Lord of the Rings’ haunting, suspense-inducing musical score and, in my mind’s eye, see Frodo Baggins and Co on their journey to carry out a near-impossible mission.
There they were, brothers in arms and sojourners at large, braving all kinds of danger en route a treacherous assignment. It was a journey to die for on the one hand, while on the other, one that simply had to be accomplished: survival depended on it.
In the same way, our lives and careers can feel fraught with that same tension amid the dichotomy of embracing what it truly means to be living versus merely surviving and slowly dying doing what we must.
Bills need to be paid
Amid that tussle of the heart, options feel limited, while hopelessness is commonplace when there is unhappiness in our lives or careers. How else will bills be paid and responsibilities be taken care of? Being irresponsible is not an option, I agree.
Often, there are voices whispering in our ears, trying to make us change our minds or alter course. Sometimes, we wonder if we even heard the rules of engagement for the mission called life properly. How often don’t we doubt if we are doing the right thing and following the right path.
Over the years, I have learnt that the first thing to do before embarking on any journey is getting the go-ahead from God. Whatever plans one may have, it is a good idea to commit them to God first.
God leads us where we need to go
When God directs our steps, we know that He will safely lead us where we need to go. Those same guarantees do not exist when we do things outside of his will.
Experience has taught me that when I attempt to do things on my own steam and choose to exclude God for whatever reason, it is so hard – pride – to run back to Him when I invariably find myself in a panic and on my face and knees. Yes, I learn the hard way.
I remember a specific time when I took on a job that was not a good fit for me many years ago. Unfortunately, I had run out of money, was desperate and a little rebellious, I have to admit. I did not like the idea of waiting on God – could He not see how hard life was?
I suppose my circumstances were causing me to lose trust in God and his timing. Though sensing that God did not want me to take it on, I proceeded to do so anyway. AND. I. was. miserable. Thoroughly despondent, I went to God and prayed in earnest.
I strongly sensed he did not want me to work at that place of employ yet I was still hesitant. I asked God to give me a final, clear sign that He wanted me to leave, more a confirmation really.
A call to OBEY
Not long after, fervent prayer having been uttered on the way to the office, I stepped through the doors and headed to the lift for another shift. A rather muscular employee followed suit. With his back towards me, the lift doors closed while he hit the button to select the requisite floor.
Exuding confidence and seemingly in a good mood, he turned around and greeted. Emblazoned on his chest in bright red, was the brand name of the T-shirt: OBEY. I could not miss the message.
Even though I understood that it was the name of a fashion label, the underlying message was not lost on me. I sensed that God was telling me that I had to do what He told me. Overjoyed, I gleefully stepped out of the lift with the sure knowledge that I was going to a write a very specific letter.
Can’t go wrong
Now, God works in mysterious ways. It is definitely not the same for everyone. I sensed in my spirit that the message was for me that particular day.
God could very well have used anything else. But that day, clear as a bright-red sign, he told me to obey in a way that probably only I understood. For others seeing that colleague, it was a cool T-shirt showing of his physique.
It is my deepest conviction, after plenty of trial and error, that we can never go wrong if we trust God. I am grateful that we have autonomy to make our own choices in life and that God allows us to fall on our faces sometimes.
After all, how else would we effectively learn life’s lessons, and how dull would life not be if we were all marionettes led by a puppet master. I know that the issue of God granting man free will, yet still remaining sovereign has boggled the minds of great thought leaders throughout the ages and across the spectrum of faith.
It is vexing and a little contentious for some, to say the least. As for me, it is enough to know that He is sovereign despite my mistakes. Prayer has always been the way to the Father. It is enough that I can entrust my cares to the Lord in prayer knowing He will sort it out somehow.
Prayer that shook the world
There are thousands of testimonials of people who had prayed and seen God do miracles in their lives. The Bible is crammed with of prayer warriors while the effect of their prayers was legendary. This was what happened when the saints of old prayed:
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31
And there is more. Yes, our prayers have power to make a difference; indeed it can change the world and move mountains. But even more incredible is this: we only need faith in prayer to see God’s astonishing power. Consider this verse:
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
It doesn’t quite work for requesting a Ferrari to be delivered to one’s door, mind you, that one has to earn. Yes, I am joking a little, but it is also a reflection of a true principle.
Prayer is in accordance with God’s will and carrying it out on earth. Yes, He graciously answers some of our zany prayers like asking for a specific dress, etc. but you get the drift. As noted above, God has supreme power to bring our prayers, great and paltry, to fruition.
Lovable but flawed
The shooting of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand was a complex undertaking as all three instalments were shot simultaneously. Reportedly, locals, who were somewhat inexperienced in making films on a grand scale, ended up producing of the most nuanced, breathtakingly exquisite, mythological masterpieces of a generation.
The stuff of legends to be sure, but I am as certain that on some days, it must have as though it all hinged on a wing and a prayer. Gratifyingly, the combined efforts of the Bloemfontein-born JRR Tolkien’s genius storytelling and Peter Jackson’s directorial ability to adapt this tale have granted countless move lovers an escape to a captivating, mythical land.
Once again, proof that stories that have consistently captivated minds have had lovable but flawed characters at the heart. We all love the hero and admire the grit and tenacity it takes to accomplish the feats they set out to achieve. A life of faith is that way too.
Best version of ourselves
We have to walk through some deep valleys and have incredible mountaintop experiences on the way to being the very best versions of ourselves: the people God created us to be. It is also in walking with God that we truly get to know our Creator’s heart – what truly matters to him.
And we are so privileged to get to be a part of His story, and on the journey we script with Him. Additionally how blessed are we to see God answer our prayers in this world, sometimes in mysterious ways. What an incredible gift to be able to see people’s lives transformed for God this side of eternity in preparation for the next. He specialised in moving mountains and hard hearts.
What a thought to mediate on as we celebrate what Advent is all about, the boy, Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem in Judea and promises to return someday as the Lion of Judah. What a Saviour!
If something struck a chord and you found this useful, please like by clicking on the heart right below the post or spread the love on the socials. Your support, by following on X or Pinterest, will also be most welcome. Your comments on whether this post does justice to the power of prayer would be valued.
However, following on from today’s message that the power of prayer can move mountains, tomorrow, we consider what it means when the Bible says we have a spirit of power. Kindly join me then.
Please note Scripture quoted throughout is taken from the New International Version.
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