Bold and Assured
Yesterday, I sat outside the camper, and reflected on the beauty God had created just for our enjoyment. As I prayed and worshipped, I suddenly became aware of a… presence. I looked up and noticed a squirrel staring at me. Soon, he came up to me- timidly at first, but with increasing boldness, he scampered up the steps and fixed his eyes on me. Pleading. I looked away, somewhat disturbed by his intensity. He then dropped to the ground, came over, and swiped my foot. All the while, he looked at me beseechingly, with his little fists clenched as if begging. When I still did not respond, he swiped my foot again, and leapt up the side of the table and proceeded to dip his head in my coffee cup. That squirrel was audacious!
His behavior brought this verse to mind:
Heb 4:16
16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help us in our time of need.
NIV
We can boldly and confidently approach the throne of grace. We have the right to come expecting. Unashamedly. When we experience delayed answers, we can be like the widow who moved the wicked judge by her continuous demands and asking. (Luke 18:5)
Clearly that squirrel was forthright in his demands because previous campers had hand-fed him, long before I ever sat down in the chair. History had proven to him, that when he scampered, pleaded and waited- food (in various forms) would come to him.
That left me to wonder…when was the last time that I came before the father EXPECTING to receive from Him? After receiving several prayer responses of “not yet” or “wait” I had fallen into the habit of expecting a “no” answer. But I serve a good Father. One who loves me and knows my every need before I dare to ask Him for it. And knowing that He is a good Father, I can be assured that He desires to give good gifts to His children.
How about you? Have you let your prayer life fall into a routine of asking, but never fully coming with your hands outstretched, ready to receive?
Will you join me in raising your faith level?
Dear Lord, forgive me. Forgive me of asking too little of you and expecting too little in return. Help me to be as trusting as the squirrel. Help me to boldly approach you because of the history I have with you. I remember my salvation, promises in your Word, and endless answered prayers you have blessed me with. Forgive my unbelief. Stir up a heart of faith within me that I will be bold, continuous and faith-filled. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
I love the picture of the squirrel drinking your coffee! Audacious indeed – and would that we were like that with our God. Thanks for a great post today.
Oh how cute that the squirrel came up to you. I love watching them.
You are right; we often let go of prayers because we think doesn’t hear our requests. I know I do. We can come confidently to Him with our requests.