“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Pastor Conrad in Puerto Penasco, Mexico always said, “It’s all about Him.” This anthem is what this Scripture is about. It’s what it’s all about. We are such egotistical creatures. We turn everything to be about us, even the things of God. This is the work of the devil. He diverts our eyes so that we look to self.
Self is impotent. We will never find satisfaction, contentment or joy in self. Looking inward, the enemy makes sure we look at all of our mistakes, our failures, our defects and weaknesses. It results in worry, depression and hopelessness.
But “looking to Jesus,” He is “the author and finisher of our faith.” He is everything. “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11) No matter who we are, what we’ve been through or what we have done, as children of God, “Christ is all and in all.” It’s Him that saved us, not our works, our goodness and not even our faith that saved us. Faith was what we needed in order to receive that salvation. But it is Jesus Who saves. It’s His blood and sacrifice for us.
We have turned the things of God into instruments of deception. Let’s take fasting. Many brethren think they can manipulate God by fasting. They fast for specific prayer requests. They think that their fasting will turn God’s Will when the purpose of fasting is to turn our wills to God’s. It is to draw near and to hear God. (Acts 13:2) Yes, we may be looking for a solution to a problem, but we seek what God is saying. “Therefore, also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” (Joel 2:12) “...Rend your hearts... (Joel 2:13) But beware, when Jesus fasted, the devil came to tempt Him, so expect temptations to come. Follow the example of Jesus and quote what God has said.
Another area which man has turned inward is in prayer. First, we only pray when we have a need. That is the only time we speak to the Lord. And when we pray, we think that by much pleading we will twist God’s arm to do things our way. Be careful what you pray. God may relent and let you have your own way, which may not be His Will. We can thank God for His Promises because it’s His Will for us. We can worship Him for His wisdom in His provision for us. But in certain circumstances we don’t know His Will. We can pray for His Will to be done. We can intercede that God’s Presence and Will be done in those whom we are praying for. We can speak God’s Promises into their lives. But let’s not for a minute think we’ve turned God’s Will.
When we have a specific need, we may be desperate for relief, for help, for change or a solution. But ultimately, we must give the need to the Lord and allow the Lord to work His Will. We can pray Scripture promises and stand on God’s faithfulness to His Word. We can believe what God has said and God honors that.
Jesus has already given us a pattern for prayer. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9) “After this manner” means in this way. Although we have memorized the Lord’s prayer, it was not meant to be repeated and recited. But it’s good that we have memorized it because we can follow the pattern Jesus laid out for praying; worship, petition, confession, thanksgiving and worship. Some have made an acronym for prayer; ACTS, adoration, confession thanksgiving, supplication. It’s easy to remember. And it follows the pattern Jesus laid out in Matthew.
If we can keep in mind that it’s not about us, but that it’s all about Him, Jesus all in all, we will come in line Scripturally in our prayer, fasting and daily walk.
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