Music Monday: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West
by: Debbie Waltz
Welcome Back, Readers~
It’s hard to believe there’s only one week left in January. During this month, we’ve experienced our fair share of crazy weather patterns – including our first actual snow of winter. As nice as it was, I’m already over it and ready for things to get back to normal. Granted, it’s been great being able to stay nice and warm inside and use my electric fireplace, and read a good book during the storms.
However, this weather presents some challenges-especially for those in the disabled community.
- Snow sometimes prevents us from going out (or aging parents from shoveling the driveway.)
- Based on one’s disability, cold weather can and often makes muscles tense, making things twice as difficult for the caregiver and the disabled person.
- Weather patterns can influence people’s moods – seasonal affective disorder, depression, etc.
If I’m honest, though, the weather isn’t the only reason I haven’t gone to church lately. I have struggled to maintain a balanced prayer life. It isn’t because I believe God has stopped listening or lost my faith. I struggle with knowing what to ask for and how to respond while waiting on His timing. Thankfully, a friend of mine has invited me to be a part of the women’s Bible study group- with a few accommodations. She and I will go to the study guide by ourselves on the phone and occasionally meet every other week at my house to discuss our prayer requests or what we learned.
Thankfully, a friend of mine has invited me to be a part of the women’s Bible study group- with a few accommodations. She and I will go to the study guide by ourselves on the phone and occasionally meet every other week at my house to discuss our prayer requests or what we learned. I’m hoping this Bible study will offer new techniques to help me remain persistent in my prayer life throughout the seasons. God honors this persistence, just as he did in the parable in Luke 18. For it says in Luke 18 6-8, “And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says, And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him, day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see they get justice, and quickly..'”
Bottom line: Don’t give up. God listens to everything His Children ask and pray for. However, we shouldn’t expect instantaneous results; rather, Jesus often uses the in-between periods to build trust in our relationship with him. Hebrews 11:13 reminds us of the faithful examples of the Bible, saying, “All of these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth”
To listen to Matthew’s song, it can be accessed here:
Great encouragement during a tough time of year for many!
Great encouragement during a tough time of year for many!