“Sometimes I feel like my prayers stop at the ceiling, but that’s enough about my situation. What about you?”
The ache in my friend’s words dug deeply into my heart. We pray together, and I wanted to be her support system. Still, God held the reins tightly and forced her to wait on His timing. Waiting is sometimes as gruesome as fighting the battle.
Despite our love for Christ, we often find ourselves feeling God is not in tune with us. Prayer after prayer rises from the depths of our hearts, and it seems to no avail. Does He even hear our pleas? It’s easy to blame God or accuse Him of turning His back on us when the truth is He never does. If we were truly honest, we’d admit when God doesn’t answer within the time frame we deem fit, then it’s easier to accuse Him of ignoring us. This just gives Satan the toehold he needs to instill discouragement and frustration, even hurt and anger. Yet, God is faithful despite our weaknesses and worry.
Nehemiah stepped into the unknown when he asked the king to allow him to rebuild the city of his ancestors. It was enough to approach the king, but trusting God’s faithfulness was difficult as well. With the king’s blessing, Nehemiah began the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. They met their share of conflict, so his men divided. Half worked while the remainder stood guard with weapons strapped on their sides. For Nehemiah’s workers, those who stood guard were the support system. The prayers. The protectors.
I certainly don’t have all the answers for my friend as she wades through the daily muck searching for needed guidance and answers, but I can be the half who stands guard over her, faithfully praying, offering encouragement, and supporting her. My faithfulness as her support gives her hope and encouragement. It strengthens her. Everyone needs that unwavering support from God and our friends.
Seek after those who need your prayer support. Tell those people you’ll be faithful to guard over them. You may very well be rebuilding a broken wall. When you prayerfully defend those who struggle, you too will feel the joys of God’s answers as well.
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Cindy K. Sproles is a best-selling, award-winning author. She is a speaker and a conference teacher who teaches nationwide. Cindy is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries, www.christiandevotions.us, and www.inspireafire.com. She serves as a writing mentor with WRAMS (Writing Write Author Mentoring Service) and is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.