The Weekly Encourager – March 16, 2016 – “If Only”

What is your Number One prayer request? Mine is Sleep. I have struggled with lack of sleep for decades, and it affects every area of my life, particularly my productivity and my people skills (or lack thereof). I've often said, “If only I could get enough sleep, I would be fine.” In effect, I was saying, “I can do all things through sleep.” Wait, what? Isn't there a Scripture that sounds like that? Oh, but the Scripture says, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13. For years I have thought, “all things are possible with sleep,” but this week the Spirit reminded me that “all things are possible with God.” - Mark 10:27.

“If only...” How many times have we thought this? If only I could sleep, if only I had someone special in my life, if only I weren't in chronic pain, if only I were more disciplined, if only I had a better job, if only I had more money, if only I looked better, if only I were smarter, if only I had made a different choice, if only a certain person would accept me, forgive me, love me...and on it goes. We forget that many people are saying, if only I had clean water to drink, if only I had medical care, if only I had enough food to feed my children, if only I had decent shelter at night, if only I could read, if only my nation were not at war, if only I was not persecuted...and more. The things we take for granted, someone else is praying for. Oh, what blessings from God I enjoy that others long for! I have family, friends, freedom, peace in our nation, education, ability, a nice home in a safe neighborhood, abundant clean clothing, hot and cold running water, central heating, cars that work, high-speed internet, quality fresh food every day, access to nature and the arts, and much more. And above all these, forgiveness of sins and peace with God through Jesus Christ! How thankful am I?

Maybe I've been praying for the wrong thing. Instead of praying for sleep so I can accomplish my goals, I should be praying for Christ's strength so I can accomplish His goals. I want to get through those low-sleep days with joyous grace, shining for the Lord. Stop whining and start shining. The fact is that our loving heavenly Father knows best what we need most. He will use whatever means necessary to teach us to depend solely and wholly upon Him, not on ourselves. Here is the first verse I memorized when I became a Christian at age 13: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” - Galatians 2:20 NASB. Somewhere along the way, I've forgotten that I live for Him now, not myself. In this season of Lent, let us give up the idea that we can make it on our own. What we need is Christ.

In the quiet garden, on that dark night of the soul, Jesus Christ cried out, “if only” I didn't have to drink this cup! If only there were any other way to achieve the goal without the Cross! But there was no other way. Love bowed His head to Wisdom and drank the poison cup of sin for us, that we might be forgiven. Our Lord Jesus drank the cup of sorrow in order to offer us the cup of mercy. Thanks be to God! May we never forget the “if only” of Christ!

“If only” we have Christ, we have all we need. Let us give thanks.
j