What is your greatest source of power? Does your answer to that question seem to agree with your daily approach to life? Our Blessed Mother clearly identifies the ultimate power of God when she calls Him, The Mighty One.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
quotation found here
How often do I really acknowledge God’s power in my life? For example, when I am facing a difficult decision, do I turn first to prayer? Of course, God populated the earth with wonderful people who love and support us. In fact, God often communicates with us through those great friends and family. But do I acknowledge God’s role in the whole process?
Let’s brainstorm some ways to increase our awareness of and appreciation for God’s power in our lives:
Suppose I have a disagreement with a member of my family, and it is putting a strain on our relationship and the unity of the family, as a whole. I could start with a prayer to the Holy Spirit to give me the words I need so I can discuss and solve our disagreement without making it worse. Of course, that means keeping my heart and mind and soul open to hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit when the difficult conversation happens.
How about a health crisis? I bet most of us are more apt to turn to God regarding serious medical emergencies. We even ask others to pray for us in the face of illness or injury. Do we also praise God for His healing or for the strength He gives us to persevere?
But here’s a more complicated situation. What if I am facing a financial crisis that seems completely hopeless? This is where I struggle to balance my earthly needs and desires with my faith. Am I supposed to pray about money? After all, we are not supposed to focus our lives on material things. Here are some of the lessons in the Bible that say so:
Jesus told the people, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” (Luke 6:20) ” Another time, Jesus told a rich young man, “sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22) In fact, just after that conversation with the young man, Jesus taught, ” it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:25)
All those lessons make it seem like it would be, somehow, sinful to pray for help with money-related issues. But I also know this. Jesus desires a close relationship with me, and with each one of us. He wants us to surrender everything to Him and have faith that He will provide for us. In fact, Jesus said, “Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” (Matt 6:26)
So, I have begun to believe that it is okay to pray for help when I get myself into a financial crisis, as long as I am not praying for excess. But let’s be honest, that’s a difficult balance to find. I shouldn’t be praying for a winning lottery jackpot or some kind of windfall that would make the material comforts of this life readily available to me. Actually, I love this prayer: “Lord, give me just enough…” (Find an interesting article about this prayer here.)
I am trying to learn to pray for “just enough.” If I’m being completely honest, I follow that prayer by asking the Holy Spirit to guide me going forward so I make better decisions and don’t have to ask for help with money anymore. I suppose that means my prayer for enough right now has to include a prayer that I will be satisfied with whatever God feels is enough for me. That’s the real challenge, isn’t it?
But again, we need to follow Mary’s example after we come through the struggle. When I realize that I actually didn’t starve or lose my house or job or whatever had me worried, I have to offer praise to God for all of my blessings.
How often do we take time to thank those wonderful people in our lives who step up to lend a hand when we are in need? Are we always conscious of God’s hand, acting through those people? Do we remember to praise the Mighty One who has done great things for us? How much do I really offer prayers of praise for the holiness of God’s name?
This week, let’s try to establish some habits of prayer that might keep us always focused on the power of God in our lives. Let’s keep our eyes open to see those amazing moments when God’s hand is guiding us and providing what we need – so that we all have enough.