LEARN TO LIVE ALWAYS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD ! GOD BLESS
NEAR TO HEAR
- Sis. Stella Dhinakaran
God is near to hear the cries of all those who call upon Him. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).
During the initial days of the Jesus Calls Ministry we lived in a place called Mettur. After my husband left for work, many women used to come seeking my counsel and also to pray along with me.
One morning a young girl approached me and told, "Madam, it's pleasant to pray along with you. I understand that you are occupied with various other works that you may not have time to pray with me always. However, I shall come to your house daily, sit in a corner of your house as it is quite big and pray all alone and then leave."
I told her, "There is absolutely no problem in your praying at my house. Yet, considering the fact that you travel from afar to reach my house, it would be difficult for you to commute daily. Perhaps you may turn up enthusiastically for offering prayers for a day or two and then your interest may fade away thinking over the distance you have to travel. I would like to suggest something more practical. Place a cot in a corner of your house and made a hiding place using the bed-sheet as a screen and kneel down in that corner and pray crying out to God. Seeing your sincerity in offering prayers the members of your family will be drawn into the salvation fold of our Saviour Lord Jesus Christ."
This seemed a better idea to that young girl and she faithfully followed as I had suggested. Daily she made a temporary hiding place in a corner of the house and sought the Lord diligently.
Initially she was ridiculed by the members of her family stating that her act of offering prayers daily are but lame excuses for not carrying out the household chores. However, that young girl turned a deaf ear to all their murmurings and continued to praise and thank God joyfully.
Gradually, one after another, the members of her family came seeking her for prayers. One day her younger sister approached her and told, "Sister! Please pray for me. I am suffering with severe stomachache for the past few days."
Filled with love and compassion for her sister she prayed fervently. The Lord answered her prayers. In this manner, her entire family received the salvation experience and there prevailed great joy in that family.
We read about David, a man of God in various places in the Bible. He is one person who sought God diligently. He says, "I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8). Even though David was a king he sincerely sought the Lord (Psalm 63;1, 6, 55:17).
However, one evening instead of being in the presence of God, he strolled in the terrace of his palace and that led him to commit adultery. Then he repented for his sins crying out to God (Psalm 51:9, 10). The Lord who is willing to abundantly pardon, had mercy on him and forgave him (Isaiah 55:7).
Dear Friend, if you desire to see your family saved, living with oneness in their spirits, being blessed with happiness and unity, for your children to honour you and even your decision-making to prosper then you must definitely seek the Lord whole-heartedly. When you seek the Lord diligently none can raise their hands against you.
God will make all your crooked paths straight (Isaiah 45:2). He shall be your rear guard (Isaiah 52:12). It is His desire to bless you (Numbers 24:1). Mercy and forgiveness are His (Daniel 9:10). He is the personification of love. When you call upon Him faithfully, He shall come near you. He shall forgive you just as He forgave David and would grant you a brand new life.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus,
Though I am not worthy to understand what God has willed or planned for me yet I know that You are standing at His right hand interceding for me a great sinner. I accept Your word and deed and believe that You died to save me. My heart knows that I am in need of Thee alone to be my Saviour. You did leave Your throne and Kingly crown and came to die for me. My Saviour I know that Your love for me is indescribable and that Your are Unchanging, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Word, Way, Life, Truth, Prince of peace and Everlasting Father. Help me to draw strength and solace from You - the living waters. You died for me to rule forever as the King of kings. I know that You are near to hear and answer my cry any moment. I give all glory and honour to Your precious name.
Amen.
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