Maybe you’ve never thought this way, but I have. When I’m going through a difficult time thoughts such as these come into my thinking processes: If Billy Graham would pray for me . . . or Benny Hinn . . . or James Robinson . . .. things would happen for sure and certain. Someone that distinguished, someone that famous, someone with such a close walk with the Lord . . . to know they were praying for me would be such a comfort!

Well, would you believe that Paul prayed for me (and for you)? What Paul? Paul the apostle–though he hesitated to claim that title because of his past deeds (I Corinthians 15:9). Paul praying for me? Incredible! His prayer is very insightful.

My prayer for you is that you may have still more love–a love that is full of knowledge and wise insight. I want you to be able always to recognize the highest and the best, and to live sincere and blameless lives until the day of Christ. I want to see your lives full of true goodness, produced by the power that Jesus Christ gives you to the praise and glory of God (Philippians 1:9-11).

The portion of that prayer that really speaks to me comes from the last sentence: “I want to see your lives full of true goodness produced by the power that Jesus Christ gives you to the praise and glory of God.”

If this phrase were not there we would be trying our very best–always trying–to have more love, to be wise and live sincere and blameless lives, to do the right thing, to be that noble, good person in the eyes of others, to have a long list of good works we had chalked up, ad infinitum. No. Paul knew wherein his strength lay–he knew that Christ was THE Source of his strength for anything and that our efforts were futile.

And of course his request was that our “love increase.” Paul knew that love was to be the motivating and controlling factor in our lives. Jesus taught us that when He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

Once more I see that the choice is mine. Being an outstanding Bible student, a famous pastor, writing a best selling book, having a drawer full of badges for perfect attendance in Sunday School–none of those things impress you, Lord. But when I allow You to reach out through me and touch someone with Your love–You smile and speak those wonderful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And I will know to Whom that praise and glory really goes, won’t I?

*****

Lord, I find it difficult to grasp Your love for me and all that You have done and continue to do to care for me. I am still struggling to comprehend Your unfathomable power, your presence, and your wisdom. And Lord, I am beginning to comprehend something else that I find difficult to accept at times: I really am a helpless, timid, fearful creature who spends a great deal of time running! I love You, Lord, and give You my thanks for looking out for this problem sheep–me. Anabel