Day 3 - Aligning Ourselves With God

SCRIPTURE
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)

DEVOTIONAL
As we continue our prayer initiative, we desire to align ourselves with God’s Word, His Spirit, and His purpose, all of which requires unity. This unity is only found under our humble inclusion of all who call on the name of the Lord and are saved. We may look different, act differently, speak differently, enjoy different foods, participate in different recreational activities, parent differently, and live in different types of communities, but we are all one in Christ if Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Our Heavenly Father desires to “exalt” us “at the proper time,” for the realization of His purpose. 

Are you wondering what His purpose might be? God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9; ESV) His purpose must be for us to share His wondrous grace with others so they might experience His love and forgiveness as well. To make the Body of Christ complete, we should pay special attention to those who are different from us, and include them in our sharing and caring. 

It is important to note the usage of the phrase, “at the proper time,” which is based upon the Greek word “kairos.” This has no exact English translation in today’s vernacular, but carries a strong connotation of opportunity and time colliding at a precise moment to allow God’s purpose to intersect humankind. As we pray for God to awaken our community, and to use our church to facilitate that awakening, we must ask ourselves, “How far are we prepared to go to see God move?” Are we willing to invest and invite someone outside our friend zone? What about someone who is different from us? Maybe if we consider that the time is now, the place is here, and the message is clear (Jesus Saves!), then we will put aside our internal objections and step out of our comfort zone to reach those around us with the Gospel message. According to this passage, it doesn’t require a theological degree, it requires humility. The humility that comes from knowing we are nothing apart from God, and that He desires to use us to accomplish His purpose. Wow! That is an amazing way to be exalted, knowing that God is using you to share His plan of redemption with others!!

If you are thinking of excuses why God is unable to use you already, then read verse 7 again. It clearly teaches that we are to cast those anxieties and deficiencies upon Him, “because He cares for you.” The God of the universe cares about you and your insecurities and desires that you throw them at His feet. I believe He will trample them under His feet and allow you to walk in the freedom of His Word and purpose. Imagine how different Walton County would be if all of us were to humble ourselves, cast our cares at God’s feet, and begin to share our love for Jesus with those around us. 

ACTION STEP
Make a list of 5 people that you can begin to pray for today that need to know Jesus. Pray and ask God to give you an opportunity to invest in that relationship, and to know the person for whom you pray. 

PRAYER TIME
Pray specifically for the people on your list, but also for yourself. Ask God to give you His eyes, so that you recognize the kairos moments as they occur daily. Be watchful for divine intervention in our temporal world.

Father, help me learn how to cast my cares upon you, to be anxious for nothing, and to walk in humility every day. May my life be an example to others of one who has been changed by the mighty Hand of God. Please allow your love to guide me and to open doors for new relationships, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

BLESS EVERY HOME
Have you heard of Bless Every Home? This is a fantastic resource that Church at the Grove has that allows you to be sent the names of your closest neighbors to pray for daily. This resource allows you to create a habit of praying for people around you to have an intimate relationship with Jesus.