Philippians 2: Prayer with Unexpected Answers

This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.              Philippians 1:9-11 (WEB)

Paul shows me that a prayer given for someone, even a church, by the power of the Holy Spirit is specific. The Spirit gives His discernment and knowledge that leads me in prayer to the place where God is. Paul shows the love in his heart for the people of Philippi as he comes along side God’s desire for these people.

Though I may frequently pray for someone, taking a few minutes to send a note telling the person I am praying for them can be a powerful ‘shot’ of encouragement in that person’s life. I remember when I was having a horrible night in the hospital. I felt very alone. The next morning a friend came by and told me she woke up in the middle of the night praying for me. I have remembered that and the next time I felt that a-lone-ness I thought, “Oh, no. Not going down that lying trail again!”

A vital aspect of my prayer life is taking situations and the possible answers to God and hearing His answer (will). Paul told the Thessalonians to test (1 Thessalonians 5:21) everything. Following that mandate I stay on His path. Paul’s prayer is a blessing to those for whom he prays that they will receive those gifts from the Spirit and live in truth and obedience to Jesus’ direction.

Assurance in my relationship with Jesus brings thankfulness as I fix my mind on all that He has done. Assurance builds when I let God be God. Assurance destroys worry, stress, and fear. Nothing can rob me of the grace and peace and assurance of God without my permission. Making a choice to keep my focus on Jesus brings fruit in abundance in my relationship with Jesus.

I am journaling in my prayer time. I write down my prayers and look with expectation to see how God will work. His answers may very well be different than I think they will be. God sees the best because He sees infinitely! My vision is so very limited. The expectation of God’s answers (Psalm 5:3) is not only a faith-builder but it is a joy producer and a glory director. God gets all the glory in the unexpected. God’s answers may very well change me. God loves me where I am and who I am now but He wants more for me. Watching God works molds and shapes me as His ambassador. I becomes more clear, allowing His Light to shine before others with less of me to dim the truth of who He is.

But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice,

Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them.

Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.

For you will bless the righteous.

Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.             Psalm 5:11-12 (WEB)