“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25)
God is One Who delivers and wants to deliver—but He also wants us to acknowledge His ability to deliver. He can save us to the uttermost—but only when we draw near to Him (Hebrews 7:25). He wants us to “cast all [our] anxieties upon Him because He cares for [us]” (1 Peter 5:17).
While we may acknowledge that He is Supreme Deliverer, too often we act like we are the ones to find a solution to our every problem. Too often we act like we are the solution! This is often the cause for our troubles. Once we realise that we can’t fix the problem ourselves, prayer is an active step towards humbling ourselves and allowing the Lord to deliver.
Not only does God want us to turn to Him and ask Him for deliverance, but Jesus Himself gave the example of praying His Father for deliverance. He showed us what our attitude should be and where our worries should be given in the face of trial. Even though He knew He had to die, He didn’t want to—and He directed all His emotions to His God.
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:7-8)
…and God heard Him. No, He didn’t take the trial away—Jesus had to endure the cross in order to become our perfect sacrifice, but He heard Him for His reverence. And in this way, Jesus became our example of obedience. He begged the Father to deliver Him, but still accepted His trial obediently.
What a perfect example for us.
“And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.“… And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:41-42, 44).
// Things to Consider when Praying to God for Deliverance:
- What specific things are troubling me? Is it my mental health, physical health, heartache, uncertainty, painful situations, the suffering of someone close to me, or something else? Be specific.
- How do these struggles make me feel? Pour out your raw emotions to God. Don’t wait to have it all sorted out—the best way you can sort out your feelings is by pouring them out and handing them over to God.
- Is this a struggle caused by an unrepented of sin that I need to confess? If so, make sure that you petition Him for forgiveness also. He is able to save, but not when there is sin separating you (Isaiah 59:1, 2).
- What specific outcome do I feel would be best? Although we may not always know what is best, there is no harm in being specific in our requests, as long as in the end we give it up to God, knowing He knows best. Too often, though, “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2).
// P R A Y E R \\
Lord,
When nothing else is certain, I know You hold all things in Your almighty hand. You are in control. You are unchanging. You are ever merciful. I know you see my hidden tears and hear my silent cries—for Your eyes are always looking over Your children; you make all things come together for the eternal good of those who love You.
I don’t know how or when—but I know You will deliver. I know You are near. I know that though my mind is tormented and my body is weary that You are the Helper and Healer—I can trust in Your strength. I know You hold me in Your hand and that as long as I stay close to You, I will see peace at the end of this. One day. Maybe in this life—certainly in the next—I know You will bring me to a place of rest.
Use this trial to complete me—let this make me become more like You. Let my actions and attitude through this trial bring You glory. Let me praise You through my pain. Let me be a light in my time of darkness.
You are the Giver of all good things. Please, dear Lord, bring the people into my life that I need and lead me to the people that need me. Give me the company, the strength, and the resources I need to succeed—and help me to recognize and lay hold of the opportunities as they come my way. Please let me see the purpose in my pain.
Give me the wisdom to realize what I can do and the strength to both do those things and let go of the things I can’t do. Forgive me for the times I have neglected to do what I could, and give me grace for my faults and failings. Help me to give myself that same grace—lead me onwards and upwards from where I have fallen.
Cause me to remember to thank You for everything that is good. Help me to lift up my voice in praise for my blessings when I’m tempted to only see the burdens.
Let me never forsake You through this trial. Do not let me use my circumstances as an excuse but rather help me through this trial to draw ever closer to You—asking for Your wisdom, trusting in Your guidance, looking to Jesus.
Let Your will in me, not mine, be done.
Thank You for giving the world Jesus, one to go before us in suffering, leaving us an example—showing us that we can live victoriously over this life because He has already conquered. Help me to realize the victory I have and can look forward to it in hope. Thank You for placing Jesus as a perfectly sympathetic High Priest and Mediator, so that I can bring my praise and prayer to You today—knowing I am heard and that I have an advocate for all my faults and failings.
Remind me to acknowledge You as my one and only Saviour and Deliverer. Too often, Lord, I turn to others for my strength. Too often I look to those around me for deliverance. Teach me to turn to you.
Lift my eyes up when they are downcast—remind me of the joy that is waiting for me. Lift up my eyes to see Jesus, the Savior who suffered for me and understands the depth of my suffering.
Bring me to a place of rest.
Bring me to a calm in the midst of this storm.
Deliver me, oh Lord.
It is in the name of the perfect Mediator I pray,
Amen
// Please note: This is a sample prayer and by no means what you have to pray. Pray boldly and specifically to the Father about your problems and in your language. Praise Him for this wonderful attribute of His and petition Him for your every need.
May God bless you as you learn to turn to Him for deliverance from whatever trials you face.
In Him,
Chantelle Marie
// Scriptures to Focus on:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:2-5).
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25)
“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18)
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered” (Hebrews 5:7-8)
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 1:24).
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment” (2Peter 2:9).
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8).
“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:15-19).
………….
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