Do you often read the promises in the Bible and find them too fantastical to believe? Or maybe you believe they’re for others, but not for you. I will admit, I have much more grace for others than I do for myself. Maybe it’s because I know the fickleness of my own heart. But the reality is that none of us are good on our own, which is really such a relief. Without the saving grace of Jesus, we’re all depraved.
I was reading Streams in the Desert on July 20th and was reminded of a truth that is so awesome, it’s hard to wrap my head around. It was based on Hebrews 4:14, 16—Seeing then that we have a great high priest…Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve passively read this. A.B. Simpson’s devotional on this scripture is what made me stop and take notice. He said, “He it is who takes our imperfect petitions from our hands, cleanses them from their defects, corrects their faults, and then claims their answer from His Father on His own account and through His all-atoning merits and righteousness.”
If this didn’t make your eyes pop, read it again. How often I’ve babbled through my prayers feeling so inadequate. Anyone out there feel me? If you don’t believe this is a struggle for many, Google books on prayer. The result will astound you. Several years ago, I started journaling my morning prayers. It keeps my mind from wandering and allows me to refer back to past petitions. Still, the reality that Jesus actually takes our imperfect words and makes them perfect before offering them up to God…but that’s not all. He then claims them as if they were His own—through His righteousness. Imagine Jesus holding out His hands to lay claim to God’s answer of our prayers so that He can then pass them onto the Holy Spirit for our benefit.
This takes the truth of It’s not what you know but who you know to a divine level.
Recently, my publisher Sandy Barela and her family visited us for a few days while on a road trip. She reminded me over and over again of the sovereignty of God. For years I prayed that I might become a published author. Knowing He had my journey mapped out long before I prayed over it is astounding. Every one of our prayers are answered with a yes, no, or not yet. It can be frustrating when we have to wait—or get an outright, “No.” I find it most heartbreaking when I pray for the healing of someone only to find out days later that they passed away.
He is sovereign in the loss of a loved one.
He is sovereign in the betrayal of a spouse.
He is sovereign in the undiagnosed illness of a child.
He is sovereign in the failure of a marriage.
He is sovereign in the death of a dream.
He is sovereign in the birth of a new dream.
In any circumstance we can imagine, He is sovereign.
Does that bring you comfort? I know it does me. I leave you with this song from Michael W. Smith and pray it ministers to you as it has me. His sovereignty over every aspect of our lives is a reminder of His love for us. We should always remember that when we approach His throne of grace.
