Day 13 -Friday- August 18, 2023-- Prayer Focus -HOPE
Romans 8:22-25 (NIV)
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Perhaps today there is someone who is in a bit of a gap. You’ve been praying for something and it has happened yet.
You’re believing in God for something, but there has been no fruition.
What do you do?
This passage is all about eternity. We may experience suffering and hard times, our hope is in heaven. Eternity has been set, but I’m not there yet.
I’m leaning in prayer but there’s a gap. But we continue to walk in the promise.
God will do His best work in that middle ground if you will allow Him to. The enemy also likes to walk in that space and cause you to doubt God’s promise to get you to quit and give up.
He wants to make you nervous, negative and numb.
This is the “Trap of the Gap.” How do we beat the “trap of the gap”
Romans 8:24(NIV)
24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
Wait and Patiently are important words. They say a little more than what they say.
Wait - means to expect fully. We are waiting with expectation. Not passive but active. I’m going to expect God to move. I’m praying and I’m looking.
Patiently - steadfast, constant. I’m going to keep doing it.
No matter how long. I’m not going to swerve from my deliberate faith. I’m going to stay at it.
Here are 3 prayers we can pray:
1. God, renew my expectations.
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.Just ask God to renew your expectation.
2. God restore my energy.
Isaiah 40:29 (MSG)
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Let’s get fresh strength today. Fresh Strength Friday.
Not my strength made new, but He gives me His fresh energy.
3. God, increase my endurance.
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character,
hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been
poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
I’m inviting God into the gap, into this space.
God I’m here and I’m believing and locking in.. God will you give me the endurance.
When we do, we have HOPE!
