The Power of Prayer
I had been praying, but frankly not expecting much. That's why I was taken by surprise when Arnie quietly stepped into my office and sat down across from my desk. We had worked in the same group for a few years, and I guess he felt he could ask a question or two. His first question was, "You're different from the rest of the guys around here. You seem to have a calm, steady attitude that the rest of us are missing. Why is that?" That began a series of discussions that eventually led to a one-on-one bible study called Operation TImothy. Arnie accepted Christ and began to grow and share his faith with others.
It all began with prayer. This week's devotional tells another story about the importance of really praying.
Ernie
P.S. - Mark your calendar now and plan to learn more about great growth opportunities available from CBMC at the next CBMC Marketplace Ambassador breakfast at the Grill on the Hill in Worcester on Tuesday, April 4, 7:00 to 8:15 am.
Marketplace Ambassador Network
Breakfast at the Grill on the Hill
Tuesday, April 4, 7:00 to 8:15 am
You're invited to breakfast! Connect with other men in our area for an interactive discussion of Attribute 5 of an effective Marketplace Ambassador: Living an integrated life with proper life priorities. Breakfast is served at 7:00 am at the Grill on the Hill at the Green Hills Golf course in Worcester. Full breakfast cost is $10.00, and you'll meet key men who are committed to being effective ambassadors for Christ where they work and live. Mark Your Calendar Now.
The Power of Prayer
By Virendra Vase
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Most of us feel a bit guilty when it comes to the amount of time we spend with God. I am no exception to this generalization. Having said that, I have not given up on praying for my coworkers.
Not too long ago, I was in a Business as Ministry bible study, and the topic was "Miracles in the Marketplace." Like most people, I doubted the possibility of miracles occurring in Silicon Valley. However, I prayed and asked the Lord to provide a miracle.
That week, I met with one of my coworkers for our regularly scheduled one-on-one times, expecting to go through the normal business related issues. However, before I could open my mouth, she asked me, "How can I know more about Jesus?"
I almost fainted because, honestly, she was the last person I would have expected to ask me that question. I could not believe it was really happening. I figured that this only happened to other people, not me.
During the following weeks, I continued to answer her questions and pray for her, and God continued to remind me to have faith as a mustard seed:
If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it will obey you. (Luke 17:6)
To make a long story short, my coworker accepted the Lord Jesus a few months later and today is serving the Lord with all her heart and soul. Although God used me (among other people), He was already at work in this person's life.
What did the Lord teach me through this experience? To never give up and to always keep praying. Moreover, He taught me to continue to be the "salt and light" that He has asked me to be in the business world (see Matthew 5:13-14).
Today, I know that God will continue to use me right where I am.
A WORK PRAYER
Lord, I know that You are at work at all times in people's lives. Help me to be ready when You want to use me at my work and anywhere else. Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever wondered what would happen if you prayerd for your coworkers for five minutes each day?
- Have you ever considered what God would do in your heart if you truly trusted Him to guide you?
- Is it possible to pray continually? What might that look like?
This WorkLife SwitchTOOL was written by Virendra Vase, General Management, Experian.. Excerpted from Devotional Ventures, Published by Regal Books. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Content edited and distributed by WorkLife.org for non-profit educational purposes.
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