Pray Fervently

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Pray Fervently One
By: Ron Edmondson Tuesday, February 26, 2008
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. Daniel 10:1-3 NIV

Daniel was serious about prayer. When Daniel received the revelation about a great war, he knew things were serious. He knew this was a situation that would require the hand of God. Daniel didn't worry about it, but he deliberately made the matter the focus of his attention for three weeks. He prayed until He had an answer from God.

How persistent are you and I in our prayers? When we face a major challenge in life, how do we respond? Do we throw up a quick sentence prayer, then take matters in our own hands by trying to fix things? Or, like Daniel, do we make the situation a matter of real concern before God, pouring out our heart to Him, fasting and praying until we receive His response?

Not every situation in our life requires the desperate measures that Daniel used. God does allow us to make certain decisions in life, such as what color car we drive, what brand of cereal we eat, and many times, even what job we will have. Under the grace of God, we have such a wide lattitude of freedom to make choices, and God equips us with wisdom to make Godly decisions. God's main concern is always about who we are in our heart, since God looks first at the heart.

There are those matters in life, however, that require the direct input from God. Those life-changing decisions, which have the potential to affect our spiritual character or the lives of other Christians, are matters which require a leading from God. At those times, we need to commit everything we have to God in prayer and the reading of scripture, until God provides for us His answer.

Daniel waited upon God, and, as we will see tomorrow, God provided him an answer. As you and I wait upon God, He will do the same for us.

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Pray Fervently Two
By: Ron Edmondson Wednesday, February 27, 2008
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you." And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." Daniel 10:4-5, 11-12 NIV

Yesterday we saw how Daniel reacted to a situation he couldn't control. He was warned in a revelation that there would be a great war. Daniel took the situation very serious and went to the Lord in prayer. For three weeks (21 days), Daniel fasted and prayed, mourning to the Lord for His response and help. On the twenty-fourth day, God answered his prayers.

Now, when you read God's answer, you may not see the tremendous breakthrough. God sends His angel to basically say, "Don't be afraid, everything will be okay." God didn't tell Daniel there would be no war. He didn't say He had changed His mind, but God did tell Daniel not to be afraid, assuring Daniel that God was still in control. It was enough for Daniel to continue on with life again.

What are you waiting to hear from God? Are you trying to "fix" everything on your own, or are you consistently coming to Him in prayer, turning it all over to God, waiting for His response? If you will do this, keeping your faith in who He is and that He can do as He says He can, and that He will, you will begin to see God bring forth an answer.

It may not be that He is going to "fix everything". Instead, it may simply be, as was the case with Daniel, that God tells you "Do not fear", and then encourages you that everything will be okay. But, when God comes to you with an answer, you will be strengthened once again, you will sense His peace, and you will be able to exhibit His joy...even in spite of the circumstances around you.