Feeling Helpless? EXCELLENT!

I once new a woman named Mrs. Sue. She was (at the time) 96 years old and a shut-in. I began a habit of visiting with her on an almost weekly basis, and I can tell you, from day one, I was blessed. Sue used to attend our congregation regularly, but because of age, and various ailments, she was unable to leave her home very often. The First Sunday I sat with her, I asked her if she would like to be connected to our services online. She didn’t know what a Youtube was, and, I believe did not have a cell phone. I then asked her if she wanted a DVD copy of the services, I could bring them week to week, but she declined. In fact, she didn’t know what a DVD player was. So I asked her “How can we keep you connected to the Church, Mrs. Sue?” I felt helpless, and I viewed her as such. I wanted to do SOMETHING. She raised up her bulletin and said “Bring me these, I can study and I can pray for those on the list!” It was then that I realized, in her helpless state that Mrs. Sue was powerful beyond comprehension.

Many if not most of us want to either have or have others do work for the Lord that requires movement, and will be a great benefit to everyone. To be quite honest, the greatest work one could do is to pray! And to pray in power means to begin in utter helplessness before God. The Apostle Paul found this our in 2 Corinthians 12:

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Paul found the most power when he begged the Lord to remove the Thorn from his flesh. In his helpless estate, God told Paul that he was most powerful when he was at his weakest. Imagine, then, approaching God every time we pray in utter helplessness, and trusting Him completely with the results. What would change when we prayed for a lost loved one, or to find our place and purpose in the body of Christ, or for peace? If we trusted God with the outcome because we were powerless to do anything about it, wouldn’t we have peace because we recognize it is out of our hands, and that He would have to do something about it? Wouldn’t we have peace knowing that, whatever the outcome, He is responsible, and we wait on His grace and mercy?

Loved ones, pray, hard and often, but pray in weakness and humility, with expectation that God hears and answers, and that He is the Lord of the outcome. Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send workers in to the field, and wait for the answer. Ask the Lord to prepare hearts for conversion, and watch for the answer. Ask the Lord to begin a good work in you, and wait for the answer! And, praying in Jesus’ name, as you wait, watch how God moves so powerfully beyond anything you can ask or imagine. Pray helplessly, pray expectantly, pray always, and trust in the One to whom you are offering your prayers.

Philippians 4

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.