September 22
Scripture: James 4:2
Source author: Ramona Nicks
September 22
Still Praying After All These Years You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. —James 4:2
I’m empty, Lord,” I confessed after twenty years of a challenging marriage that was coming to an end. “I know I should keep praying for Pete, but I’m numb inside.” Ask me to fill your heart with love for Pete. “Oh, Lord. Just thinking of loving is exhausting.” But I asked, and He filled. A few years later, after being served with divorce papers, I figured I no longer needed to pray so much for Pete, and it was odd to feel affection for him. But I guess the Lord’s love doesn’t just fade away with different circumstances. That strong, steady love removed anger and bitterness, and inspired earnest prayers for Pete’s health, his job, and most of all his salvation. I wouldn’t let anyone say anything disrespectful about him, including my very loyal and outspoken mom, so she got on board with me. “Every morning I still pray for Pete,” she said to me a few days ago. A motherin-law praying for the man who divorced her daughter? God’s love is perfect.
It’s not cheating to ask God to take over when we run out. — Ramona Nicks —