I have watched the Today Show ever since I was in high school. I’m always awake before it comes on and if I haven’t had my quiet time before 7, I hit the pause button on my DVR, so I don’t miss anything. I really enjoy it. It is part of my routine and shamefully, how I get almost all of my news. The events covered in the first ½ hour are usually devastating, and as I learn of the turmoil in Israel or destructive weather or plane crashes, or Ebola virus epidemics, I am thankful for the lack of devastation in my life, but also ashamed of the personal requests I petition the Lord for. There have been seasons of devastation in my life and in yours, but during the easier seasons, when just getting through the day doesn’t seem as difficult, I still have prayer requests. I have always known that God loves each of us, knows our hearts and cares about our needs, but it seems selfish to pray for a temporary outcome when so many are suffering.
I was really encouraged today as I read the account in Luke 5 when Jesus preformed a miracle on Peter’s boat. Although Peter had not caught any fish all night, Jesus told him to try again. Peter obeyed and when he let his nets out again, he caught so many fish that the nets began to tear. What happened next was where I found the encouragement. Peter knew that Jesus had healed diseases and had cast out demons, but the fish catching miracle allowed Peter to see that Jesus cared about his day-to-day routine.
“When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, ‘O Lord, please leave me-I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught.” Luke 5:8-9 (NLT)
God is so big. He loves us so much. He collects all our tears. He aches for all the suffering happening all over this world He created, and He tells us that we should care deeply about it too. When our friends, family, neighbors, missionaries or strangers are suffering, we can and should pray. We also can and should pray for God’s help and direction in our daily routines. The life he appointed for us today is not insignificant to Him, and even though it can seem pretty routine, it is foolishness to think we can handle it on our own. He listens to all our prayers, and He can be glorified in everything we do. It is such a privilege to give Him the glory.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Prov 3:5-6 (NLT)