Members and friends of NTCG Sheffield,
Please accept heartfelt greetings from my family to yours. I would like to take this opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate you, pray for you and look forward to a time when we can meet face to face for times of fellowship.
In recent days I have been reflecting on the power of prayer. When we are faced with difficulty, particularly when our efforts seem to make little difference to a situation, we often say things like “All we can do is pray”. I know, I’ve said it myself but it really is something that I correct in myself if I think or say this.
Although it’s a thing we say and it may be automatic I believe that we need to consider our thoughts and our words especially in challenging times.
Proverbs tells us; ‘As a man thinks in his heart so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7). Proverbs also states ‘Life and death are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat it’s fruit’ (Proverbs 18:21). There is a clear connection between our thoughts, speech and our behaviour.
I encourage you not to think of prayer as a last resort but our first response and to understand that when we do pray there is
always something that God requires us to do.
Prayer is often misunderstood in that we think that the longer or more intensely we pray the quicker God will respond. The Lord hears us and will answer us if our prayers are sincere and line up with the Bible. Our prayers grow as we grow in our fellowship with Christ, prayer is not about changing God but prayer changes us.
Prayer allows us to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly. As we have this prime opportunity to develop our fellowship with Jesus in prayer, worship and study of His word, let us develop total trust in God and total confidence even in times like these. Let us be encouraged recognising that although we may be physically distanced from each other, we are never alone; we are part of a great family with the greatest of Fathers.
Continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5).
May God continue to keep you in His hand.
Every Blessing.