Some years ago, my wife and I visited our nation’s capital. We stood outside the White House, and looked on with wonder, but no one came outside to greet us, or invited us inside to enjoy a state dinner. I seriously doubt that even had we stood there for days on end, no one ever would.
In 2001, I stood outside the ornate gates of Buckingham Palace in London and noted that the flag was raised, signifying that the Queen was in residence. However, she never sent one of her servants to invite me in; yet I wasn’t surprised.
I’ve never even been invited to sit in a corporate skybox at a pro baseball game, though I purchased my own ticket and sat in the ‘nosebleed’ section where I soon lost interest because I couldn’t even ss anything.
While some folks enjoy the benefits of invitations to fabulous parties, dinners and special events, the rest of us are left on the outside wanting to be invited in, just once!
I’m greatly comforted to know that even though I will never ‘hob-nob’ with presidents, royalty or celebrities, I have been invited to visit with one who is far greater in supremacy and majesty than all others: the God of all creation.
In His word He speaks through the apostle Paul to say: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Boldly? Would I dare to approach the president of the United States, or the Queen of England in a manner of boldness? No! Would I dare to approach God’s throne of grace with boldness? Yes! The word ‘boldly’ does not mean ‘in arrogance,’ but it means ‘in full assurance.’ So, the question is, “What assurance?” We have the assurance that He, who hears us, will answer us according to His will for our lives.
Does prayer really work? Does God really care about the minute details of my life? The answer to both questions is an indisputable, “Yes!” It has been said that “Prayer is the power that moves the hand that moves the universe,” and “Prayer changes things.”
I can attest to the fact that prayer does work. Fervent prayer is effectual. And, to think that I, like you, have been invited to call upon God for the things we need in our life, as well as to receive His grace. However, we must also understand that God is not to be treated like Aladdin’s lamp where He is placed on the shelf, then taken down and dusted off when we need a favor. Rather He is to be treated like the all-powerful God that He is. As He has invited us to come to Him, even so we should invite Him to fellowship with us. In truth He waits for the invitation to be extended each day. Don’t leave Him on the outside waiting and disappointed that He was not able to visit with you.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, Kingman.
