The well worn metal shovel felt heavy and the driveway seemed much longer and wider than usual. The snow was packed down and several inches thick. I breathed in the cold, early morning air, and felt a spring-like determination. The sun was up and the forecast promised temperatures in the twenties, for the first time in very long time. I knew that with some effort on my part and the warming sun, all this snow and ice would be melted by evening. I headed toward the end of the driveway, where snowplows had thrown me the biggest challenge and tires worn down the once light and fluffy stuff.
The shovel grew heavier with each load I tried to move aside. I had not even made it once across the span of the driveway when I realized how solid the snow really was. I dug in. With my foot planted on the top of the shovel, I started to dig. Inch by inch I pressed into the white and cracked the snow. At first, I saw little point in it, especially when I considered how far I had to go. But then something happened, with persistent pressure the ice started to crack underneath and large pieces of packed snow split. It took some effort, but two hours later, the driveway was cleared of most snow. Now the sun could do the rest.
This intense exercise reminded me of my prayer life. I realized how much discipline my prayers require. Too often I get frustrated with what seems impossible. Not only is discouragement a big issue, but I also need to overcome my laziness and unbelief.
God has given me incredible gifts when it comes to prayer. The Holy Spirit and Jesus’ sacrifice allow me to dig in. Through the Word I get to know God. Through prayer I get to know His presence. He is fully capable of running the universe without my feeble words (He even melts driveways without my pour shoveling efforts), but in His sovereign love for me, He asks me to join Him. Through the discipline of prayer, I get to know HIM.
“It’s not prayer that is strenuous, but the overcoming of our own laziness. If we make the basis of prayer our effort and agony, we mistake the basis of prayer. The basis of prayer is not what it cost us, but what it cost God to enable us to pray.”
(Oswald Chambers)
Father, thank You for allowing me to approach
Your throne with assurance that You hear me.
Thank You for Jesus who made it possible for me to be heard.
Thank You for His sacrifice and for the Holy Spirit.
LORD, teach me to persevere in the pursuit of Your will in prayer.
~~~
1 Timothy 2:1-8
~~~
(Heidi Viars, 2014)
Heidi Viars 
Leave a reply to pattisj Cancel reply