Tag: Providence

Hocus Pocus, Alakazam!

magic hat

Prayer

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

When we pray we are communicating with The Lord, the One who loves us. We must come to Him knowing that our words are heard and we expect He will communicate with us also.
When you go to the bank to withdraw money (that you know that you have), do you say a few words at the door and cross your fingers before you approach the teller? Of course not! You boldly walk up to the counter and present your request with full expectation of receiving what you ask.
If we come before The Lord in prayer and we “hope” someone is listening but we only vaguely believe that God exists, then we are no different than a child pretending to be a magician, who says “Abracadabra” waving a magic wand, expecting a rabbit to come out of his hat!

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

“It’s hard to be humble, when you’re as great as I am”

Humility is an attitude of the heart.
Our attention to Prayer, Praise, Practicing the Presence of God, and the Beauty of Holiness prepares our hearts to be humble. Although you are redeemed (purchased by the Blood of Christ) and walking in newness of life, do not forget The Lord.

And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
Colossians 3:12

In the Book of Esther, God is never mentioned but His providence is ever present. Esther had a heart for God from her childhood. It was Esther’s humble spirit that caused Hegai, the keeper of the women, to favor her above the other maidens. Imagine what it must have been like to be in a competition with hundreds of women for a chance to become Queen. Better yet, imagine being in a competition with hundreds of women at a shoe sale! Typically, the ‘lady’ gloves are replaced with boxing gloves and the quiet spirit goes out the window.

“Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you” 1st Peter5:6

It was Esther’s commitment to the preparation that led to her success.