His Ways Are Higher

Over the past (6) months, I began sharing prayer requests for a few little girls and boys who are suffering from serious illnesses. I have taken it upon myself to pray for many individuals that I have no connection with but feel the need to intercede in prayer. I have tried to be careful over the years not to be ‘that guy’ who is always preaching and sharing what God lays on my heart on social media or any other communication medium, however, to no avail…. I am compelled to overcome my desire to protect my ‘reputation’ and follow His guidance. I cannot, nor will I stop the flow of His Spirit through me. It sounds foolish when I say it out-loud (in words) but that’s my selfish and foolish thoughts exposed.

Before I started sharing the prayer requests, I really wrestled with God about whether, or not, I should. My ‘argument’ was ‘will I put people off because it’s not pleasant to see these children in this condition?’, ‘will it damage their faith if the outcome is contrary to their prayers?’, ‘will it drive them toward God or away from Him?’, ‘will it make a difference?’. Of course, these are foolish and self-serving questions that are easily answered with spiritual maturity applied. The purpose of sharing was two-fold: 1.) The children and families need the spiritual support of our prayers and God hears and answers our prayers in accordance with His will. 2.) There are many who do not have a prayer life at all, thus, have very little to no communication with God. When we begin to pray for others, much of our own troubles become small and our focus shifts outward rather than inward. If you are prayerless, there’s no communication in either direction.

My hope is that you are praying more today than you were (6) months ago, your communication with God has become a habit, your prayers are focused outward rather than inward, and, most importantly, you are beginning to hear His voice!

Our precious little Charley passed away this morning, Calleigh passed away 2 ½ weeks ago, Izzy passed away in April. I have grown very close to each one of them and their families although I know none of them personally. Many of us have shed tears for them and hope with every part of our beings that they be miraculously healed here in this world. You will always become intimate with those whom you pray for, whom you pray with, and, most importantly, who you pray too. This is why it’s so important to pray with your spouse, children and others….. it’s not about anything other than building intimacy with each other and your Creator.

The question I’ve gotten constantly over the past (30) years is ‘why do bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people?’, ‘How can a loving God allow these things to happen?’, etc.. The simple answer is I don’t know. Our mind is not the mind of God, His ways are much higher than ours. I know this is not a comforting answer to most, however, God is the creator of all things, and it is not within our capacity to comprehend His ways.

When Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray prior to His arrest, trial, beating, scourging and ultimate crucifixion, He sweat blood and cried out in anguish to God saying,” Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Jesus, in His flesh, did not want to suffer what He knew was to come, but He knew God’s ultimate purpose to make a way of salvation for mankind required the blood of His own Son…. think about that….. would you be willing/able to sacrifice your child? What greater love is there than to lay down your own son/daughter for the lives of countless others, who, in fact, show disdain for you….

When we pray and/or minister to the needs of others, we become the source of the Holy Spirit flowing through us and into others lives. As a river flows, it touches various places downstream unknown by the source of the flow. Likewise, our prayers and ministering touches and affects places that we do not realize. Did your prayers renew your relationship with God? Have you been strengthened through a newfound prayer life? Have you began praying over your spouse, children, parents, friends, etc.?

Charley touched the lives of thousands! Last time I looked at the post that announced her passing (10) hours ago, 46,000 people responded, 20,000 commented directly and 12,000 shared her post. I would love to see how many of those people renewed their relationship with God! How many came to Christ for the first time? How many were touched through the outpouring of kindness, compassion, and care for this little girl? We must continue fervently praying for Charley, Calleigh, and Izzy’s families, as well as, those still in the fight!

We do not know why these innocent little children pass away other than being part of this fallen and imperfect world where we all live. What I do know is there are MANY more that need our continued prayers, MANY families that need restoration, MANY that need Jesus and MANY unknowns downstream who need YOU to be the source of the pathway to God. Please continue to pray for your family, friends, neighbors, others (including enemy’s) and get to the place where you are able to hear His voice and follow His guidance. Do not be discouraged, be encouraged! Healing is inevitable for these baby’s and their short lives have multiplied power to touch many!

Your mission has just begun, and your personal God-given assignment awaits your pressing prayers.