The Testimony Of Prayer (Luke 1:14)

Years ago, I worked at a Bible college on the east coast.  In the first year, we had an open house for the families of students and visitors to meet us and visit the facility.  During the event, a person entered the dormitories and was in the process of stealing jewelry when I caught him during a routine walk through.  After the police were called, he was taken into custody.  Not long after that, I was required to give a court testimony.  All I needed to do was share the information that I knew and by doing so, the court could make their own judgment.

Many may struggle with not knowing what to say to lost friends, family and colleagues about The Lord Jesus.  But what they fail to recognize is that God is doing a mighty work in their lives and he can use them as they testify of those events.  Zacharias was such an individual who had a great opportunity to share the wonder of God simply by getting a prayer answered.  The scriptures state that the people were affected by his answered prayer in that they rejoiced at the child's birth.

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. (Luke 1:14)

Our answered prayer can make the lives of those around us better.  We do not need to convince people of God and his greatness: our testimony about how he works in our lives will testify of him by itself.  Your next answered prayer could be what your coworker, friend or family member may need.  Prayer not only works for you, but also for those around you.  It testifies and shines of the wonder and greatness of God.  This is the light that the scripture says is set for all to see.  Our answered prayer and its testimony is a shining light like a city on a hill.  Pray!  Pray for your needs and God will answer and brightly shine through your testimony.

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Faith Beyond The Circumstances (Luke 1:13)

In his old age, Zacharias prayed for his wife to have a son.  All reasoning suggested that it would never occur and in more probability it would most likely take a miracle.  Nevertheless, he prayed and his prayer brought these words, "But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John." (Luke 1:13). How was Zacharias able to continually pray in spite of what appeared to be a hopeless situation?

It is not desire that will keep you praying, but your faith.  It was not Zacharias' desire for a son that motivated him to pray, but instead his faith in God.  Desires may change, but the expectancy of faith will remain the same.  Any hope for situations to change can be explained away, but faith will remain firm.  

When circumstances turn darker, faith becomes the only option.  Thoughts of faith may momentarily dwell in the heart of man, but in order for faith to stand firm there must be communion in God's word and with the Holy Spirit of God.  The Holy Spirit will bear witness of the truth of the word.  His witness coupled with the promises of God's word will strengthen faith.  Strong faith is not a greater amount of faith, but instead a faith that endures longer.  The duration of your faith will last in direct proportion to the depth of your relationship and walk with The Lord.  If your relationship is shallow, your faith will only be short live.  If your relationship is deep, then your faith will much longer endure.

To develop your faith, you must spend time getting to know the person of God who is the focus of your faith.  As you fellowship each day in his word, reflect on the character of God and what he has done for you.  Personalize the scriptures, which means when God speaks of love, consider that he is speaking of loving you.  When he declares to take notice of every need, he is speaking of his care for you.  Remember to speak to The Lord in prayer and bear your heart to him.  In time, he will manifest his presence to you and draw you even closer to himself.  The closer you get to God, the greater your faith will become.

If you would like to read more of these thoughts in a hard copy format, my new book is now available at the link below.

https://www.createspace.com/4441566

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