We do have a secret weapon . . .

 

2 Kings 5; Psalms 117–118; Daniel 9; 1 Timothy 2

The news is filled with either Covid-19 statistics or politics. Both Canada and the United States are experiencing issues never before experienced. The media and the average person seems fearful of both the virus and the way government leaders are behaving. It doesn’t matter what side of the fence people are on, they fear what is going to happen next.

This morning’s readings include this:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1–6)

I wonder how different our political situation would be if everyone prayed for the leaders in our countries. This passage hints that people would experience a saving relationship with God and know truth — the truth that sets us free from our sin and selfishness. Without sin messing with our lives, certainly we would know peace and quiet, even be godly and dignified instead of complaining, demanding our rights, or rioting in the streets.

The passage later says . . .

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. (1 Timothy 2:8–11)

Praying people are distinct. As this says, holy hands without anger and quarreling. I cannot even imagine a world without anger and arguing. For women, it says “likewise” so both men and women should pray this way.

While the rest of the instruction is often said to address a cultural need back in those days, I must admit many women are wrapped up in looking good, even in being sexually desirable. Magazines targeted for women have more ads for fancy clothes and cosmetics than instructions for life. In fact, I can’t remember ever reading an article on modesty or self-control in any of them.

As for submission, many women hate that word. Instead, we are told to be assertive, to take our place as equal human beings, to demand our rights. Many Christian women even ignore what the Bible says about submission because most think it means being a doormat or subservient. However, the best definition is says submission is freedom from the tyranny of always needing to have my own way. It is about contentment, trusting God to take care of me rather than demanding anything. I must admit that this takes years to realize and put into practice, but it is totally worth it because it is one of those qualities that helps me pray for others.

I try to imagine a culture where both men and women are praying without anger or fighting but in harmony, agreeing on the needs they see around them and asking the Lord to meet those needs. This concept might seem foreign and seem impossible but this is not true. Through Christ it is possible to be content, to give up selfish desires, to live with love and respect for others. That is the good news. He is our secret weapon for He answers the sincere prayers of those who are yielded to Him.

APPLY: For me, the praying part is easy and difficult. I can rattle off prayer but having that yielded attitude means learning to deal with frustration (mild anger) and other forms of selfishness. At my age, I am content with a respectable appearance rather than looking like a model or a movie star but doing the good works of a godly woman is not as easy as putting on some makeup. God is blessing me with a desire that His will is done rather than my own, and that attitude is freeing me from a ton of stress for which I am thankful. Jesus keeps me keeping on . . . and He is an incredible helper in learning to ‘pray about it’ rather than letting it make me angry or feisty.