“For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thess. 3:9-10).
Paul said a mouthful here. He said, “Now I am praying night and day so that I can see you and I am praying, so that we can fix whatever is wrong in your life.”
Many times today, instead of praying to help people fixed their problems, folks just talk about other folks. Now I thought so and so was a faith person. And if they really were a woman of faith, or a man of faith, then this wouldn’t happen to them. That is not what the Bible told us to do.
Paul said, “Now I prayed exceedingly for you. I am looking to fix whatever is wrong in your life.” In other words, every single one of us has areas that we can use some further development in. And when you see a brother or you see a sister that is facing some challenges, we need to join together with them in prayer and come against that problem.
Now Satan’s strategies of course are to attack us and to attack the Word. He tries to stop us from walking in faith. God’s strategy however is to give us revelation of the Word. The more revelation of the Word we have, the more we know what to do. And God will give us revelation about situations: why certain things happen; what doors are open; what doors are closed; where to go; who to see; and what to do about it.
In Luke 22:31 Jesus says to Simon Peter, “Satan has desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat.” Satan wanted Peter because it was Peter who walked on the water while everybody else sat in the boat.
Peter did some of the things that the Lord did. Then Jesus’ said, “I have prayed for you.” Now that was Jesus’ response. I pray that your faith fails not, and when you are converted, you strengthen your brethren.
Converted means “changed.” Jesus told Simon that when he is changed to make sure that he helps somebody else. Now when you know other believers are praying for you, be sure to help somebody else when that situation changes. It will change through prayer.
Scripture reference: Luke 22:31-32; James 5:16
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).