PRAY: Lord, I want to be able to tell the story of my hope in you. Show me the parts of my story that can give hope to my three people.
Thursday – Day 16
Approaching God – Being an intercessor is hard work. Living our lives as a witness is even harder work. Fortunately, we have someone to help us, some place to go where we can find rest, strength and encouragement. Rest in the presence of your great High Priest as you read these words.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Listening to God – When we live our lives in such a way that they give witness to the grace of God, people become curious about what makes us so different, and they begin to ask questions. As you meditate on this verse, what is God saying about what we should do in these situations? And how should we do it?
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Talking with God – After you are done listening, pray that verse back to God. Is there reason for praise and thanksgiving? Do you need to confess anything? What do you need from God? What do you need to surrender to him? Pray the verse over your three people.
Ministering in God’s Name – If someone were to ask you to give a reason for the hope you have, do you know what you would say? If you have not had opportunity to share your story of God’s faithfulness in your life, take time to write it out now so that you will be prepared when you are asked. You may think your story is not very exciting or dramatic, but to a broken world, your story of God’s covenantal faithfulness is like a fairy tale–utterly amazing and almost too good to be true.
Surrendering to God – As you think about the three people you are praying for, submit to God’s timing as he moves them forward in their faith journey. Be prepared for opportunities to gently and respectfully share God’s story of grace as you have experienced it.
By Jolene DeHeer
