Be Proactive not Reactive

“Pray constantly.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 HCSB

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 HCSB

With the pandemic, riots, political unrest, all the hatred and fear and confusion, we need more than ever before to remember prayer instead of angry words and deeds.

Praying is not an easy way out. Praying is not an escape. Praying is the only answer that is strength, healing, and comforting. Prayer is the strongest of all weapons that any Child of God has access to and all children of God are commanded to continually do.

My natural reaction is to either put my head in the sand or react with anger and fear.

God convicted me with my devotions that I must remember to pray without ceasing. He’s put on my heart to not only give my anxiety to Him, but my anger and confusion as well. When I hear or read or see something that angers me or hurts me, I must practice immediately to pray for that situation, the people involved and for my response. These are not new revelations for me, but ones that I need to practice rather than merely agree on and speak about. It’s easy to read and agree on what we should do, but not as easy to do it, to be about it, to be active and proactive. I was reading my notes from a past sermon, devotion, or seminar I had listened to years ago. In my notes I wrote, “be proactive not reactive”. This is such a good lesson for me and a weakness I must work on continually. I am all about doing what’s right, but when a situation hits me in the face I react quickly without thinking and usually in a way I’m not proud of. On many occasions I’ve used my example of when I was in prayer and worship on my way to work. I was so full of love and calm and peace. I was joyful and praising God. I felt ready for whatever the day was to bring. Then, a car cut me off. My immediate reaction was full of anger and hatred and fear. My peace and joy turned into anger and hatred. Out of my mouth came angry and hurtful words. As soon and quickly as that feeling filled me and the words came out of my mouth, I became remorse and felt defeated. God had shown me what was really in my heart. It’s a growing and disciplining road to follow. But we serve a loving and caring and patient God that will gently guide us and teach us. His Grace is sufficient!

God help us to focus on prayer rather than fear, hate and anger.

When we pray instead of lashing back with hateful words and deeds, Gods true justice will prevail. We will be healed, be calm, be encouraged. When we pray and give it all to God, and listen…we will know what we are to do in obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Being obedient to our Holy Heavenly Father is the only thing that WILL make a difference!

(If you are interested in a private, safe Face Book Group prayer environment, please let me know by commenting on this blog. If I get at least 10 interested people, I will create one.)