[4] “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin? ” [5] Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. [6] You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” [7] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.
Temporary Relief Or Everlasting Renewal? Many Don’t Call Out To God When They Are Distressed. What Do They Call Out For? What Do You Call Out For?
It was in Jonah’s darkest hour, in his most stressful circumstance that he said this:
“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me” (Jonah 2:2 NIV).
The Psalms are full of references for turning to God, seeking Him and finding Him in times of intense stress.
In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears (Psalms 18:6 NIV).
Stress is an effective tool in the hands of our God, a tool that is intended both for His glory and our good. Let’s look at some ways God uses stress.
God uses stress to get our attention. God created our bodies. He designed them to send us messages. If I stick my hand in the fire, my body will send me a message, quickly and clearly. If I ignore it, I’ll pay the price.
C.S. Lewis said “pain is God’s megaphone.” Some of us are hard of hearing. We ignore physical, mental, and spiritual warning signs. God wants us to tune our ears to the messages He sends us through our minds and bodies.
Try it! Get on your knees and cry out to God for help! Don’t make it a 911 distress call only. Make your prayer life an ongoing conversation with God. Good, bad or ugly, whatever you are facing, trust Him and always give thanks in all circumstances.
The ultimate prayer is God empower my life to do your will with my life. Get there and you will experience ultimate freedom.
Over and over the Bible says God hears your prayers. But do you hear His words of wisdom? Pray and Obey!
From an Unworthy servant,
Chris Chloupek
Lead Evangelist