My Dad must have set this up...but maybe not
Our youngest son Joshua is getting married in November. A month ago he started working for the largest and most reputable real estate company in the country. There were 50 some applicants and he is among the seven who were selected in his batch. Naturally he was having jitters the evening before his first day at work.
That evening I went to Joshua's room to give him last minute encouragement before he went to bed. I told him the secret in all of life is constant dependence on God that is best demonstrated by a life of prayer. I also reminded him that the best prayer ever is the one from the heart. And the best format for praying is the one Jesus taught. Joshua and I prayed together as Jesus taught.
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:9-10
Jesus gave His disciples a simple format on how they should pray. Start out by declaring that God is our Father. Better yet personalize it, my Father. But He is no ordinary father for He is in heaven, high above all and transcends every and any situation you could face. Hallowed, holy, special, one of a kind is His name. What an honor and a privilege to be His child.
Then declare that His kingdom will come and His will be done in my life on earth just as it is heaven.
"Give us today our daily bread." Matthew 6:11
Jesus then exhorts us to ask our Father to give us our daily needs. If you're selling real estate ask Jesus to meet you and lead you to the right customers. Whatever you do - a student, homemaker, nurse, teacher, accountant or even a child, ask God for your daily needs.
"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matthew 6:12
Then ask Him to forgive you of all your infractions, sins, mistakes, faux pas. In the same breath ask Him to give you the ability to forgive those who have wronged you.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13
Finally, ask Him to lead and protect you from temptation. More significantly to deliver you from the schemes and wiles of the devil. He is out there prowling and waiting to devour. Prayer keeps us alert and out of his reach.
The next day Joshua came home in the evening with an amazing story...
Late in the afternoon their boss called from an impromptu meeting. she said one of the top salesmen for three straight years was coming to give everyone a pep-talk. To everyone's surprise when the guy arrived he walked toward Joshua and said, "Aren't you Pastor Joey's son?" He said, "yes." He gave his name and said I'm from Victory. I was once upon a time a Real Life scholar." Joshua was so encouraged that he now had a friend in the company.
The guy told them they should believe that their team can make at least one sale a day. The team responded with shy giggles that gave away their unbelief. "What is this guy thinking of?" The best part was the guy's strategy on how to ensure success. He said, "PRAYER."
Interestingly that day a female agent who hadn't made a sale since last year sold one. Prayer does work!
That day Joshua was shocked thinking "my dad was just telling me the same thing last night? Did he set this up and asked this guy to come here?" The answer is yes. Except it was not his earthly dad that set it up but the One who is in heaven. The One who hears our prayers.
Have a great weekend!
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