Enlist Jesus’ Help

By: Dr Eliezer Gonzalez

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30, NIV).

Sinking times are praying times with the Lord’s servants. Peter neglected prayer at starting upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his danger made him a suppliant, and his cry though late was not too late. In our hours of bodily pain and mental anguish, we find ourselves as naturally driven to prayer as the wreck is driven upon the shore by the waves.

Heaven’s great harbour of refuge is All-prayer; thousands of weather-beaten vessels have found a haven there, and the moment a storm comes on, it is wise for us to make for it with all sail. Short prayers are long enough. There were but three words in the petition which Peter gasped out, but they were sufficient for his purpose. Not length but strength is desirable. A sense of need is a mighty teacher of brevity.

Precious things lie in small compass, and all that is real prayer in many a long address might have been uttered in a petition as short as that of Peter. Immediately a keen sense of danger forces an anxious cry from us the ear of Jesus hears, and with him ear and heart go together, and the hand does not long linger.

Let us then lift up our souls unto our Saviour, and we may rest assured that he will not suffer us to perish. When we can do nothing, Jesus can do all things; let us enlist his powerful aid upon our side, and all will be well. – Charles Spurgeon (adapted)

Eli’s Reflection: Sometimes we can view prayer as work where big words and a lot of time is required. Here, we are reminded that short prayers are long enough. What short prayer can you offered God today?

Article supplied with thanks to Dr Eliezer Gonzalez.

About the Author: Dr Eli Gonzalez is the Senior Pastor of Good News Unlimited and the presenter of the Unlimited radio spots, and The Big Question.