Nothing is too hard for God

Do most of us pray big prayers? I’m thinking of those requests that only God can do. When I am with Christians who are praying, much of what is asked is about big and small health issues, employment, and money.

This week some of God’s people prayed a big prayer. Those who are familiar with the world of quilt-making were aware that the huge fire in Colorado was headed for a quilter’s home like a runaway freight train. His irreplaceable stuff was hauled away, but there was no hope for the new house, a dream of twenty years and finished in March.

I’m not sure how others prayed, but I asked God to do what most glorified Him. This huge fire blackened the entire area, incinerating everything in its path. The videos were awful. BUT it stopped 25 feet from this quilter’s home, went around it, and continued to destroy everything else in its path. Most of the response to this has been praise to God who does whatever pleases Him. I cried.

Yesterday I began praying for the boys trapped in a cave in Thailand with the same words, “Do whatever will bring You glory.” I’m certain others have prayed, some the same way. A few minutes ago, it came over the news that four of the boys were rescued, a difficult task, but they are out of what threatened to be a watery grave.

These are big prayers. Am I always praying for things only God can do? Things like political issues, darkness in spiritual realms, crime? Do I consider God big enough to change this messed up world? Or am I like this father of a child with demonic problems?

“And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘“If you can!” All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’ (Mark 9:20–24)

Of both requests; the one for the boy and the one for more faith, which was the most important? I’m thinking the latter one. It should be the prayer for all who pray, for all who are burdened by the deeply difficult situations in this world, the unrest, wars, natural disasters, rampant evil, whatever seems totally beyond fixing or change.

Tozer says that the attribute of God we call omnipotence does not really mean that God can do anything. It means that He is the only Being who can do anything He wills to do. He cannot violate His own holiness; He will never lie or cheat or deceive. However, He is the Lord God omnipotent who reigns and can do all that He wills to do. We are secure in His care because He is our all-powerful God.

Before bringing those ‘big’ requests to God, it is likely a good idea to make a smaller one: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Trusting our capable God without praying can be a total lack of love for a world full of people that need our prayers, but praying boldly but without faith can be brash assumption.

^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, I’m very excited about the answers to prayer this week, those big ones that are on the world’s news, but also others that involve family and friends. You are an amazing God and You can do what most of us would say is totally impossible. One key is believing otherwise; another key is praying for Your glory instead of whatever other reasons I might have. I praise You — that nothing is too hard for You!