Jesus Christ said in John 16:33(NLT), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” As we examine what is happening all around us, we can see that even though this verse was written thousands of years ago, it is prophetic and extremely relevant in our modern times. Corruption is being exposed at an accelerated rate, and many of the institutions we’ve counted on are crumbling daily. Jesus Christ did not keep us in the dark about these things. He warned us to be strengthened in our hearts with his love and power, because he overcame the world. His example shows us how to do the same thing.
Some single believers are getting worried and filled with anxiety by what is happening. They feel it’s the worst time of all to be without the support of a loving partner. God is well aware of what we need. In Matthew 6:7-8(NLT), Jesus Christ revealed a wonderful truth while warning the disciples not to be hypocritical and vain when it comes to prayer. He said, “7 When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”
There isn’t anything happening in the world that is a secret to God. He sees and knows all, and He is in control. Being single doesn’t mean being alone, because the Lord is always with us. It means that we are still being elevated in spiritual maturity so that we can partner according to God’s Will. Heavenly Father is watching how we respond to what is going on around us. Are we being attentive to pray for others? Are we praying for those in governmental authority so that they make decisions that allow us to continue worshipping God in Spirit and in truth?
1 Timothy 2:1-2(NLT) says, “1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
It is abundantly clear that we need to pray more for all people. We can look at the current times and see that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ haven’t done a very good job in praying for leadership. Do you have a mind and heart that says these types of prayers will not be heard? Of course God hears us when we pray for governmental authority, because this is a prayer that is unselfish. It conveys our obedience to do what He has commanded us to do. It is a detail that the single person should never miss.
Jude 1:20-21(NLT) says, “20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” In our season of being single, we must be committed to not just grow spiritually ourselves, but to pray for and encourage others as well. God urges us to do this because it allows His love to bless us! It is a discipline that conveys we realize our obligation to be unselfish in our prayer lives. Praying for others and for governmental authority also means that we have confidence we are empowered through Christ to pray effectively. Most importantly, it conveys that we’ve developed a habit pattern of prayer, and we’ll be diligent to pray for our spouses.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Pray So God’s Love Can Bless You”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2019. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.