Continuing our series on prayer, today we will consider another important factor related to success in this regard – the matter of consistency and steadfastness. The truth of the matter is, regardless of what we see and what we experience, we have to keep pressing on and standing strong in our prayers; understanding that prayer is not a quick fix pill but a lifestyle of consistency. Let us consider an occurrence in the life of Jesus, who went about doing good about the lands of Israel. We read of a time He came to Bethsaida, where they brought a blind man to Him, begging the Lord to heal him (Mark 8:22). The mention of Bethsaida was very specific and intentional, because there are often spiritual realities prevalent in geographic locations that can impact the flow of the supernatural in that area, and this is one such case. These are the words of the Lord, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes“ (Matthew 11:21). This is one of the cities where the Lord had performed various miracles that were not met with belief and honor on the part of the locals, instead – they remained in dishonor, leading to the Lord judging the land and calling out their disbelief. The Word cannot be broken, “to whom much is given, much is expected” (Luke 12:48). So when this man was brought to Him while He was in the same land, He decided to take the man by hand and lead him out of that vicinity into another space (Mark 8:23). Bethsaida was plagued with potentially contagious unbelief and negative speech from the local community, and as a result, very little can be achieved in such a space, and through His compassion for the blind man, the Lord sought a solution that would not compromise the man’s miracle and breakthrough.
When they had come out of the city, we read, “… And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything” (Mark 8:23b). Before this, we had never seen the Lord ask someone if they were healed before, speaking to the fact that not everything is always instantaneous. This is the Lord Jesus; as good as it gets, so if this was a reality for Him, this will be our reality as well! So the man responded, “I see men like trees, walking” (Mark 8:24), proving that indeed the miracle had not been completed yet. This is where we see the need for persistence, because Jesus did not stop there, we read that, “He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly” (Mark 8:25). Jesus did not take things personally, He simply tried again and moved the needle further in His favor; and we should have the same attitude. It is not always that you will see what you want to see immediately, sometimes you have to keep pressing, keep pushing, keep resisting, until such a time when the tide turns. Jesus knew that God had already done it, and His was to continue administering the anointing like medicine until His patient was healed. Additionally, the Lord knew that it was beneficial for them to be away from naysayers who could spread the venom of unbelief, that would then reverse any progress He had made with the blind man.
Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1). The apostle makes it clear that there are different types of prayers, and believers should engage and all of these. So what are supplications? These are heartfelt prayers made to the Lord regarding specific situations in our lives we aim to enforce the victory of the Lord over. ‘Prayers’ in this regard refer to expressed devotion towards God, an act of worship and adoration, and communion. Intercessions refer to prayers made for other people, again enforcing that which the Lord has achieved on the cross to the benefit of those we are praying for – these are not beggarly prayers, but heartfelt enforcements of victory. The truth is, it is important that we pray for all men because we live intertwined lives, no one is an island and it is very rare that God intervenes in a situation without the agency of men. This is why the apostle added, “… for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:2). You cannot hope for a peaceable life independent of everyone else, the leadership and governing bodies of the land have the ability to influence the quality of our lives and we do ourselves good when we cover these men in the place of prayer. Life and prayer is not all about you and what you need, we are a part of a Kingdom and we have a mandate to enforce the interests of our Father in this land, “…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:3).
At the time of His ascension, we read that “….the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted” (Matthew 28:16-17). This is the protocol, when we see Jesus, the appropriate response is worship – it is not a long list of requests, or troubles and complaints; but that moment calls for adoration. Jesus then told His followers, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth… Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (v.18-20). Jesus did not address any of their doubts or concerns, He simply made known His power, that is available for all who believe on Him. But sometimes, when we pray, we doubt if our prayers have any power or if they are achieving anything; but here the Lord makes known that His power has been shared with us, and that He remains with us, always, even to the end of the ages. So yes, let us pray with confidence, then go on to do the Word – teaching the nations the word of the Lord. Apostle James too highlighted the lifestyle nature of prayer for the saints, saying, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven ” (James 5:13-14). In all circumstances, we respond with prayer, because, “… the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (v.16). Believe it now, you are righteous, you carry the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, you have been made right with God, you have peace with the Father – thus; your prayers carry power to effect change! So view yourself the right way, and begin enforcing that which belongs to you.
So begin now, tame your tongue to pray correctly and to not speak words contrary to your prayers. Apostle James said, “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles” (James 3:2-5). The idea that the tongue is a “little member” does not only speak to its size, but the fact that many treat it casually, saying anything anyhow because we have no appreciation for the resulting effects. But we are warned to be extremely cautious, as the tongue creates in the spirit, and we can wake one day to an avalanche of consequences born from carelessness in speech. We can not speak both blessings and curses, we can not speak faith and doubt, and we should absolutely make it a priority to allow the Word of God to tame our tongues to the realities we have in Christ Jesus, both in prayer and in everyday speech.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your Word and the testimony of Your Spirit, that teaches and assures us of who You are. You are a good God and father, who loves His children endlessly and without reservation. You are God Almighty, supreme in all Your ways and matchless in power. Aligning ourselves with You statutes, plans and purposes is our surest way to victory. You are our guaranteed success! We bless You. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
