I once saw a sign in front of a church building that said, "Prayer is the excercise, faith is the muscle." I really like that. It is so true. As we pray to our Heavenly Father and we see His work in our lives our faith is built up. We become stronger in the Lord each day. Having a true relationship with the Father is very much a blessing. Our relationship with Him gives an added dimension to our lives. Our faith increases in strength every day.
Several years ago, I had the rare opportunity to spend a whole day with my youngest son. It was time for Aaron to get his driver's permit. He needed it before he could take Drivers' Ed class in the fall. The day, however, involved much more than just taking him to take his test. We didn't have a copy of his social security card anymore, so we had a visit to make at the social security office. We also had to obtain a notarized statement from the school that proved he was enrolled in school. So there were several stops to make.
Before we even left the house - we decided to pray. We asked God to bless us with a good day. We prayed that we would not run into any obstacles along the way and that we would be able to get each chore accomplished until the ultimate goal was met - which was obtaining his learner's permit. As for me, I was thankful for the opportunity to be with my son. We prayed and then we were off to begin our day.
Our first stop was the school. We needed to get that notarized form. When we parked at the school, we decided to pray again. We asked God that the right person would actually be at school in order for us to be able to get what we needed. And then in we went. Naturally, the lady was there and we were able to get the notarized statement. When we got back in the car, we prayed again thanking the Lord that we were able to mark one chore off our list so easily.
The next stop was the social security office and we followed the same routine. Our wait was short, the lady was helpful, and we got a new card ordered for Aaron. We also got the print out we needed to have so he could take his test. We had prayed both before and after we were in that office. Then we drove to the center for him to take his test. Again, we prayed before we went in. Each prayer had been answered so far. Aaron took his test and got his permit. He was very proud of himself because some of his friends had to take the test 2 or 3 times before they passed. Once we left the driver's license center, we were both so happy.
This was a wonderful day for both of us. It was very good for Aaron. A day we spent together and a large portion of it centered around prayer is a wonderful memory for me. The exercise of asking for a particular blessing and having it answered was an awesome experience for him. His faith was truly built up and so was mine. I hope I never forget that beautiful day. Isn't it wonderful to think about the awesome God we serve? What an amazing comforting thought to realize His love for us. He does care about us as individuals. He cares what is happening in our day! God wants us to live a blessed life. God wants to have the "abundant" life that He promised us.
Read John 10:10 - "The thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and destry: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." I truly believe that a stong and consistent prayer life leading to a loving relationship with God is a major part of that abundant life. There is great joy in knowing that God is your best friend.
Jesus gives us a hint about the blessing of a faithful prayer life in Matthew 21:22 -
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
I John 3:22 - "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
John 15:7 - "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
One more --Ephesians 3:20-21 - "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end."
So do your exercises, build your muscles and claim that abundant life.
Christ above all things,
Robin
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