Where Are We Weak? Let’s Seek God’s Help!

Romans 8:26

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Yesterday I began my month-long prayer/fast. Am I alone or has someone joined me? I want company!!

Two things so far in my fast department. First – I am fasting from negativity on social media. During a heated mid-term election’s last week – this is not easy. Even after the election – it will not be easy. I’m sure all of my preferred candidates will not get elected – and someone will post something negative. Second – I am fasting from any food not on my health plan. Being on a health journey is not easy to begin with – but holding fast to the plan is even harder. I’m trying to coach and encourage others – so I MUST walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Yes – I have lost 37 pounds in less than 4 months – but how much healthier might I be if I had walked the walk 100%? We’ll see what November brings. Pray for me please!

So – if you are walking this prayer/fast with me – what are you fasting from? And how’s it going – two days into the month? As I type this – I’m preparing to go out for my green and lean meal for the day at Panera Bread here in Laurel. Three of the ladies who attend our Tuesday night Bible Study at church gifted me during Pastor Appreciation Month in October with cards to Panera (they know me so well).

So – where are we weak and how is God helping us in our weakness? My two areas – for now – there might be more coming – are my opinions and how I share them and my appetite (controlling it). As I’ve said before – I want to eat to live – I don’t want to live to eat. I also realize that my witness to others is damaged when I join in the banter about politics. I read other pastors who make remarks on social media that I am totally opposed to and I want to respond. Yet – I will not change their minds or opinions – and the discussions usually do not stay civil – even among pastors. Comments like – Ray – I can’t believe you would feel that way or as a Christian and a pastor – how could you see things that way? Tolerance – for some – is only a one way street. We often see this in politics and religion. So I will stay out of it for now.

I do support and encourage everyone to research the candidates – all of them – and vote as you feel God is leading you. I also encourage people to not vote straight party lines – find the best candidate. I know I do not plan to vote for just one party!

So – back to our weaknesses. Where could we use some God help to walk the walk? It can be overwhelming to try and be perfect in everything all at once (right?). Pick something and begin to pray about it and seek God. Lay something before the Lord – maybe our anxiety – or an addiction – or a habit – or something that puts distance between us and God. During the prayer/fast – we need to give these things to God and ask for victory over these things that torments us – the thing(s) that keeps us from moving closer to the person God wants.

I hope this is encouraging. I was thinking about this passage as well today – Hebrews 10:24–25 – ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I want to be an encouragement as we walk the walk together – living for Jesus! Join me in the prayer/fast.

Just something for us to think about today as we go on our way.