We spend our days expecting things to happen. Most of the time we are not particularly conscious of our expectations, until they don’t happen.
One summer afternoon I had my car all packed up to go on a road trip. I had gas, snacks, music and everything I needed for a five hour trip. I sat down in the driver’s seat, turned the key and………………….nothing.
Think of how many things you expected to happen today, and they did. Your alarm went off on time. Your microwave heated up your soup. Your mail came. Your shower was hot. Hundreds of expectations!
What do you expect when you pray?
If we are honest we might say, “nothing,” or “not much.”
I hope you have decided to stay with me as we investigate what Jesus taught about prayer. In my blog on October 3, I suggested you read through Matthew 6 a few times and note any words or phrases that occur more than twice. Did you notice the word reward is there 5 times?
“And your father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Last week we followed a desperately ill woman who secretly approached Jesus looking for a reward. She believed if she just touched his clothes she would be healed. She didn’t think the clothing had power, she knew Jesus did. And when she touched his shawl, Jesus’s power healed her.
Since you are reading this I know you plugged some device into an electrical socket and expected the reward of your battery being charged. If we have faith our power company will reward us, we can have faith that the powerful Creator of the universe will also reward us when we approach him. Jesus said he will.
When my car wouldn’t start I had faith in the AAA membership card in my wallet and I called the number on the card. I was soon rewarded with a running motor.
Call your Father in Heaven: he promises to respond.
If you don’t have a prayer journal, try starting one now. Keep a running list of your prayers. My list has been running for decades. Soon you will be able to look back and count your rewards.
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Whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6)
Hope Walking 