As a pastor, I am constantly encouraging people to pursue Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives. I am preaching and teaching every week. I meet with individuals for discipleship. I try to set an example for others in how I love my wife and my children. While I am far from perfect in any of these areas, it is my hope that I am growing and learning more every day. However, as long as I’ve been a pastor and have dealt with such a variety of stressful situations, there is one question that has been asked of me that always cuts to the core of every problem. This question, usually asked by my wife, humbles me every time. “Have you prayed about it?” While I am busy trying to find solutions to problems and am feeling the stress of life, I’m ashamed to say it is so easy to neglect the most basic of tools available to the believer.
Jacob and his family were faced with a very simple problem. There was no food. They were hungry. They needed to eat. So while Jacob’s sons were trying to figure out what to do their father enters the picture with a very simple question. “Why are you staring at each other?” In other words, go find some food. Many times we try to find solutions to our problems only to neglect the most basic and productive thing we can do. Pray.
What is the pressing need in your life right now? What is it that is causing you to stay awake at night and worry? Let me ask two questions concerning your worries. First, have you prayed about it? I know that may seem silly and you might say that you have been praying constantly. GREAT! Keep going! You are on the right track. There is no better place to be than in surrender to the Lord in prayer. The second question is this. Why are you standing around? You have been called and instructed to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor as yourself. Make that your ambition today even when you have things you’re worried about.
“Lord, use me to love others even when I’m distracted by my own concerns.”
Rev. Christopher Hall
Extended Scripture: Genesis 42
