HIS WORD INSPIRES PRAYERS: Devotion for Friday August 17, 2012
Text: Genesis 32: 12 – For you said, “I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as sand of the sea which is too great to be numbered (New American Standard Bible).
We used this text in last edition, January 27, 2012 precisely. However, we are looking at it from another perspective today. Jacob remembered the promise God made to him in Genesis 28: 13 – 15, which included his safety and return to the land of promise. As he was going back to his people, he remembered how he supplanted his brother Esau and was afraid.
Faced with uncertainties of what might befall him as he goes to meet his brother he then remembered the promise God made to him. When he remembered this, he encouraged himself in the Lord as David did (1 Samuel 30: 6) and went to God in prayer reminding Him of His promises made to him. The word of God inspired him to go to God in prayer.
Do you know the promises of God for you? You might answer no but they are all there in the bible in your hand. In Luke 18: 1ff, Jesus taught us the importance of persistence in prayer. When you discover what God said about that your problem, it will spur you into prayer. This is a way to develop faith. God is not moved by our tears, complain or grumbling, rather by our faith in His word. Faith in the word of God should be your guiding principle as we approach the throne of grace. Move to God as the prodigal son did and the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 15: 17, 18 and Luke 8: 43) and remind Him, He will not refuse you for it is His will to bless you always.
Food for Thought: God is not moved by our tears or complain, but by our faith.
Prayer Points:
1. Remind Him of all He had promised you.
2. Bind every power standing against their fulfilment.
