Phone Privileges

Nº 263

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - August 15, 2023

Believers do not pray with the view of informing God about things unknown to Him, or of exciting Him to do His duty, or of urging Him as though He were reluctant. On the contrary, they pray in order that they may arouse to seek Him, that they may exercise their faith in meditating on His promises, that they may relieve themselves from their anxieties by pouring them into His bosom; in a word, that they may declare that from Him alone they hope and expect, both for themselves and for others, all good things. - John Calvin

A high-end resort placed a pink telephone by their pool. If a guest needed anything – a drink, a meal, a towel, or whatever – all they needed to do was pick up the pink phone, express their desire to a ready staff member, and miraculously, the need would be met.

The desire of the resort was to pamper their guests and ensure that they relaxed, thoroughly enjoying their poolside experience.

Many of us think prayer is like the pink phone. We assume that God is waiting for us to place our order. Once the call is made, we sit back waiting for our three scoops of ice cream with a cherry on top.

God’s purpose for us is much greater than our comfort and relaxation. His design for prayer is to connect us with Himself and request what we truly need, not just what we want.

James reminds us, “You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:3) God has bigger designs for us than “poolside” enjoyment. Ask Him for the courage, strength, peace, wisdom, comfort, faith, hope, and love you need to honor Him in the good times and the tough things you face today.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc