Bear It or Share It – It’s Up To You

Have you ever been in a situation that no matter where you looked all you could see was more trouble coming your way?  Or perhaps you’ve been in a spot where no matter who you turned to for advice you could find no peace or resolution to your problem.  Today’s scripture, I Timothy 2:1-7, tells us exactly what to do.  We are to pray.  In fact we are “urged to pray.”  We are to pray for those in authority over us, for everyone around us, “…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

I’ll be the first to admit that when I am frustrated with the way I’ve been treated by a co-worker, or hear a report on the news about soaring fuel prices, job loss, and the continuing conflict in the middle-east, too often my first response is not prayer but complaint.  It is far easier to perpetuate bad news than it is to try to contend with it.  In contrast, today’s scripture says, “I urge then, first of all…”  In other words, don’t sit there and grumble first.  Pray first!  We should be representatives before God for those who may not know to pray or for those who can’t.  He wants us to bring Him our spiritually lost friends, our government leaders, our every care.  He already knows what’s going on but He wants to know that we are willing to share that burden with Him.  It’s simple.  When you share your burden with Someone much larger than yourself, your burden is lighter.  In fact, it’s even better when you simply give it all to Him.  He’s willing and able to carry your every burden.  Truth is, the more you trust Him and draw near to Him, you’ll find He already is.  Give it a try.  You’ll find life easier to handle.  More than likely, if you pray first for God’s design, you won’t need or want to grumble