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We don’t think twice about relying on a GPS like Google maps when we need directions. However, when we need help on our journey as followers of Christ, why do we delay, or even neglect, to rely on God’s Providential Sovereignty (Divine GPS) through prayer? Prayer is one of the most effective ways to help us learn how to submit to God in all our ways.

Persevering faith is demonstrated by:

1. Praying without ceasing (vs. 13-18)

- Keep the lines of communication open with God and with one another

• Is any one of you in trouble? PRAY (vs. 13a, cf. Heb. 4:16)
  - Prayer is a way to remain active while we learn to practice patience in suffering (cf. Ps. 55:22; Php. 4:6-7)
  
  
• Is anyone happy? Sing songs of PRAISE (vs. 13b, cf. Col. 3:16)
  - Deep rooted contentment comes from a deep-seated trust in the trustworthiness of our God (cf. Isa. 26:3-4)
  
  
• Is any one of you sick? Call the elders of the church to PRAY… and ANOINT with oil, in the name of the Lord (vs. 14)
  - God is the source of healing and any healing is due to His power and action, not to any human effort or ‘special oil’ (cf. 15b, Ps. 103:2-3)
  - Jesus’ healing ministry was intended for the whole person: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness
  - The prayer offered in faith, boldly asks God to do what only He has the power to do, and at the same time trusts His perfect plan
  - A church family resolved to be doers of God’s Word, who intentionally invest in building authentic friendships where confession of sins and struggles, and prayer for one another, takes place, will be a church that experiences the power of God and will see disciples made and matured (cf. Acts. 2:46-47)

Those demonstrating persevering faith during life’s difficult circumstances keep the lines of communication open with God, with their pastors, and with other brothers and sisters. When you need help, which of these three opportunities might you delay, or even neglect, in taking full advantage of?

2. Keeping watch over one another’s spiritual wellbeing (vs. 19-20)

- ‘No disciple left behind' → We must be committed to the ministry of spiritual reclamation, calling one another back from wandering (both in doctrine and in lifestyle) (cf. Heb. 10:24-25)

- God chooses to give us the privilege and responsibility of being a part of His process of saving and sustaining us to the end (cf. Php. 1:6)

Through intentional disciple-making relationships, let’s keep the lines of communication open with one another. Let’s keep each other close to God’s Word, spurring one another on to obey His Word and when we wander, lovingly bring each other back to the truth of His Word.

Let’s ‘Walk the Talk’ and be RESOLVED to be doers of God’s Word!

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