Have you ever gotten frustrated in prayer?

There are times one would hope for an instantaneous change in our prevailing situation. We would want to see our labor bear fruit overnight. Oftentimes however that just isn't the case and there is a little more that is needed on our part to ensure that results are seen.

Pray again! Yes, it can be unnerving and even a little disappointing, but push past those feelings and pray one more time.

Pray again! The prophet Daniel went on a 21-day fast, praying for the healing of his nation. He was totally surrendered to the Lord and confessed the sins of past and present generations. Daniel laid his supplication before the Lord but did not receive an answer for 21 days. (Daniel 10)

Daniel could have given up after the first day, or even after 19 days; however, he was steadfast in his endeavors. It was at the angel’s arrival that it was made known to Daniel all that he had to endure to deliver the message that Daniel was so desperately seeking; even though Daniel’s prayer had been answered after his first day of praying.

Pray again! The angel told Daniel of a battle that ensued in the heavens how he had to summon re-enforcement from the arch angel Michael in order to prevail in the fight. We have to understand that the forces that arrayed against us are greater than we even dare to think.

I remember one day after getting up from prayer the Lord asked me if I had stopped praying for my family. I was a bit shocked to be honest because maybe I didn't think that the Lord had been interested in that part of my prayers. That question from God shows the concern that the Lord has for his children and how he loves when we speak to him about things concerning us.

At times, whenever it is that I feel low, I sing the hymn Oh Lord, you promised to hear us pray. Just that simple act reassures me that my prayer isn't just going up into thin air.

Pray again! In the garden of Gethsemane, the Lord Jesus prayed, struggling with his humanity...wanting to give up the cup that was placed before him. The struggle was so intense that the scriptures note that he got up and knelt again praying the same words he had prayed initially. The agonizing cries of the saviour led to a nevertheless moment. A moment of pure surrender. (Luke 22:39-46)

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus gave a parable of a widow before a wicked judge. This widow was so persistent and insistent with her pleas that the judge eventually gave in to her demands. Not because of the kindness of his heart, but because he saw that the old widow would not relent until her need was met.

Pray again! What is it that we need to constantly knock on heaven's door for? Matthew 7:7

Pray again! The Lord never grows weary of us coming to Him. It's ME again God! Isaiah 40:28

Pray again! What has us in utter anguish and turmoil that only God can solve? Genesis 21:17

Pray again! Be persistent in prayer and the Lord will respond to your petition right on time. Genesis 32:26-28

Trust God that he has heard your every groan, seen your tears and was moved by your pain filled cry.

Pray again!

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Sources: 

The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.

https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/789 Charles Crozat Converse (1834-1918)

Have you ever seen a movie where the main actor had to make a major life altering decision; that one thing that would cement his role as the lead, often, due to a single moment of bravery? In the scriptures, the men of God faced some of these moments. However, for one reason or another they each chose to hide.

The prophet Elijah had just experienced a major win against the children of Belial. But soon after, fled in fear, when he received death threats from Jezebel. How could such a powerful prophet of God be sent packing by a heathen queen? Even with his anointing, Elijah allowed himself to be overcome with fear, resulting in him hiding in a cave. If such a mighty man could have experienced this level of fear from one threat, imagine the attacks we face as children of God in these perilous days? (1 Kings 19)

The great King Saul, when the prophet Samuel advised him that he was to become king was incredulous and though himself unfit for the position. And although he was head and shoulders above all of Israel in stature, he saw himself too small for the job. Saul felt inadequate when called upon to be king, so he chose to hide. The prophet told Saul that the Lord would make him a new man, which meant that he would receive the needed abilities for the task at hand. However even after experiencing the change Saul still chose to hide himself. How we view ourselves can hinder our growth in the natural and spirit realm. (1 Samuel 10)

Whether we see ourselves as inferior or inadequate, we must remember that the Lord sees the finished work of our lives. Whenever you feel like you are incapable of doing a job, be reminded that God is the one doing the work through you. James 1:5 states that you should ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not. Simply put, the Lord is open to hear your requests. Therefore, if you feel you lack the skill or knowledge in a particular area, just ask of God. Oftentimes when we hide, we are just delaying the inevitable. There are certain tasks that the Lord wants us to do. He is adamant that he wants us, specifically, to do the job. As was the case with Jonah.

The Lord had given Jonah the commission to warn the people of Nineveh that they needed to repent or face certain destruction. The bible records that they were a violent nation and this influenced Jonah's refusal to go as he believed that they should be dammed. Jonah gave the Lord opportunity enough to choose someone else for the job. He most definitely was not interested. (Jonah 1)

Sometimes we inquire of the Lord about certain issues and when we are made aware of what is required, we sometimes pretend as though we didn't get an answer so we can feign ignorance and continue life as we know it. Jonah decided he would hide from what he was called to do. He took a boat headed to Tarshish to hide (as it were) from God. Even after being swallowed by the fish, it took some time for Jonah to repent and do as God had instructed. Yes, he warned the people of Nineveh; but was beside himself with anger. He wished many times that he could die as he wasn't interested in seeing these people be saved...after all they were wicked indeed. The Lord however, was not yet through with Jonah, as he needed to learn compassion and forgiveness. As a man of God it was not good got him to be so consumed with hatred (Jonah 4). The journey that we are on in this life is designed to perfect us.

A close friend of Jesus even found himself hiding from his destiny. Peter, after the death of Christ, could not forgive himself for feigning to know the Lord. Peter wept when he heard the cock crow as he then remembered Jesus foretelling that precise moment. After the denial, Peter went into hiding. How was he so willing to go and die with Jesus one minute; and the next minute, cursed at the very idea of being associated with him? The Lord knew the burden of responsibility that would come upon Peter after His ascension and so he prayed that Peter's faith would not fail not…he also instructed him to strengthen the brethren! (Luke 22:31-34) Peter may not have remembered that specific moment as he was too caught up feeling guilty of the denial. The words spoken by the Lord could have helped Peter during his time of guilt. After Peter was converted he preached one of the greatest sermons recorded in the bible, which led to the saving of about 3000 souls! Thank God Peter was able to come out of hiding. (Acts 2)

In all these instances once the men of God took their rightful positions they were not only able to help themselves but also countless others around them.

Whose breakthrough could be dependent on your act of bravery?

Our destiny often becomes much clearer when we make the decision to come out of hiding as we begin realize that there is a greater purpose in our lives which glorifies God! Elijah's fear, King Saul's feeling of inadequacy, Jonah's hatred and Peter's inability to forgive himself, all drove these great men of God into hiding at some point. Their breakthrough moment however was so significant that we are still talking about it thousands of years later!

While in the garden, before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed for his disciples and millions of others. (John 17:20 )- "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word."

May the prayer of the Lord Jesus embolden us to come out of hiding and step into our divine destiny.

Whenever we are given an assignment by God, let us not retreat into hiding among the stuff; but rather, let us hide in Christ the Rock of Ages.

O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
Alone I would perish, undone would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Refrain:
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.

Sources:
The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm /i/d/hidingin.htm)
Hymnary.org (http://www.hymnary.org/text/o_safe_to_the_rock_that_is_higher_than_i)