Text: Luke 6:12-13
Memory verse:
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not,”
Isaiah 30:15 NKJV
In ancient times, it was usual for expectant mothers to veil or hide themselves from the public gaze, especially as their delivery date drew near. Likewise, as a lifestyle, those who are engaged in travailing prayer often shun publicity and seek the face of the Holy God. Every man that travailed and drew power from God first tarried in the presence of God.
“So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” (Luke 5:16). Notice the phrase, ‘often withdrew’. The CEV says “But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray.” You see, Jesus wasn’t just doing it for the first time. Rather, it was His lifestyle to withdraw from the public to be alone with God. This kind of private time was so important to Him, and He didn’t allow His busy schedule or the demands for His attention to mitigate against it. In fact, He counseled His disciples likewise (Mark 6:31-32).
Medical science has been able to reduce the pain of labour by carrying out cesarean procedure to bring out the baby before childbirth labour sets in. However, it has not been able to reduce the time of pregnancy. The nine months of pregnancy is a period when the pregnant woman learns patience, sacrifice, endurance, and persistence before travailing to create an opening for the new life.
In the same way, everyone who travailed in prayer first had a period of waiting in the presence of the Lord. They sacrificed themselves and other pleasures to tarry in His presence. They give up food and some social engagements. They endured the pains of withdrawal and of being despised by others. Like pregnant women, they are so overwhelmed by their expectations that they are ready to wait. This is what Jesus also did. “…Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now, He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Heb 12:2 NLT). This is how He began and ended His ministry. He was alone with God very early in the morning, in the evening, and even all night. He sought such time wherever He found it, be it, in the wilderness, in the garden, on the mountaintop, and on the sea. He preceded every major decision, sermon, and exploits with a period of waiting.
Friends, if you desire to travail in prayer, you must develop the habit of being alone with God and to be still. When was the last time you spent quality time being alone with Him?
Prayer points
1. Father, please, teach me to desire Your presence and to be still, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, in the midst of busyness, I receive wisdom to know when to withdraw to be alone with You, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I can’t travail without first tarring in God’s presence.
2. The time of waiting is the time of sacrifice, endurance, and patience
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng