On Friday, I met a good friend for coffee for nearly 2 hours. Though I tend not to be a big talker, God compelled me to respond to his questions. While I may not have eased his concerns, deep within my soul came an urge to lift up this friend up in prayer. Therefore, I took a few moments before I began working, asking the Lord to bring a glimmer of hope to the uncertainty within his mind. A few hours later, I received a text which revealed an open door, a potential full time position and free college tuition for his 2 children.
Listening to Casting Crowns after an 11 hour shift brought this idea to light, lifting up friends in prayer, The lyrics of their song, Prayer for a Friend is a simple remember of what asking God for something in Jesus’ name can do, John 14:13-14. The skeptic will say, “its just a coincidence, mere chance that your friend received good news.” Yet, this is the second time in a month that God moved in a matter of hours after meeting together. Any way you attempt to explain this, lifting up friends in prayer is one of the few remaining solutions to turn your life or a friend’s around.
The last 2 years has been a struggle for me and my family on numerous levels. When you and your spouse lose your dream jobs, most of your friends through a church split and are left with an ever increasing financial crunch, doubt, helplessness and frustration blew in like a spring storm. After the bitterness, complaining and whining cease, lifting up my wife and kids in prayer is my only option. Thus, while pain and regret still exist, its time to fall down on my knees, look up to heaven and cry out to God, lifting up to my best friend to the One who can alter our future. In Christ alone, help is on the way, Philippians 4:13. Call on Him today!
by Jay Mankus
