I teach very bright and inquisitive students. Most of the time it makes for fun and interesting classroom discussions. But sometimes it can be frustrating. The other day, I was introducing a topic, but before I could give them the basics, they started with their, “What if” questions. Finally, out of frustration I said, “Will you please stop ‘what iffing’ me and trust I will teach you what you need to know.
This morning, as soon as I opened my eyes, I felt like I was supposed to pray about a situation with my oldest child. I did. It wasn’t a prayer of long words. I simply made my request known to the Lord.
My devotion this morning was James 5. I read and began to meditate on one of my favorite promises in the Bible, “The prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
As my mind wandered later that morning, I began to “What if” God about the prayer I had just prayed for my son.
“What if he doesn’t….”
“What if I have to…”
“What if this causes…”
Out of frustration, I had to yell at my soul, “Stop ‘what iffing’ what God has promised. Trust His Word. Trust He will show you everything you need to know and provide everything you need.”
You know, most of the time when my students are “What iffing” me, it’s about scenarios that will never happen or are beyond their skill level. Sometimes their ‘what if’ questions arises from a place of pure curiosity but most often than not, it’s from a place of anxiety. They feel as if they won’t be prepared for the test.
But they have to trust me. I am a good teacher and I want them to be successful. They must trust I will prepare them for the test.
Likewise, we must trust the ultimate teacher, God. He is a good teacher and He wants us to be successful. He will not lead us into a battle we are not prepared to fight. He equips us with what we need when we need it.
If you are praying for a loved one, for a breakthrough, for a situation to change, stop ‘what iffing’ and trust James 5:16. Your prayers are powerful. You accomplish much in the Spirit even when you don’t see it with your natural eyes.
So here is today’s lesson, boys and girls:
You are righteous because of the atoning work of Christ. (II Corinthians 5:21).
Your prayers avail much.
Now, go do your homework – pray. Pray with expectation. Pray in faith.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
James 5:16b NLT