Pivotal Prayer Moment

by Vianne Satterfield

Luke 18:35-43 “As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me! Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.”

Seventeen years ago, I sat at my kitchen table with my open Bible, pen and journal to complete an assignment from a spiritual formation small group. I had learned a different way of engaging with God’s Word. My assignment was to read the Scripture and place myself in the story to experience it by answering questions about my thoughts and emotions concerning my participation in the story. I did not know what to expect, yet I imagined Jesus being with me and asking me, “What do you want me to do for you?” My response to this question surprised me as it elicited a tidal wave of unexpected emotion. I told Jesus, “I want to love and be loved.” This was a pivotal prayer moment that changed me and the direction of my life.

I encourage you to engage with God’s Word with intentionality. Look at the characters of the story and seek to understand the passage from differing points of view. Here are some of my thoughts on this passage of Scripture.

The blind beggar did not let Jesus walk on by. He did not bow to intimidation or a victim mentality. He used his voice to boldly shout for mercy and favor from Jesus. He came near to Jesus as he accepted the invitation to talk with Jesus. The blind beggar answered Jesus’ question with clarity. He knew what he wanted and he made a statement indicating belief and faith that Jesus would do it for him. He received that which he believed Jesus would do for him. He took immediate action by following Jesus and praising God. The blind beggar received transformation, healing and a new direction as he engaged in conversation with Jesus.

I believe Jesus knows all things. He knows what we need and want. Yet, Jesus invites us into conversation and relationship with Him. He draws us near to talk and explore with Him what it is we want and need. He invites us into His Presence.

Jesus could have assumed what the blind beggar needed or wanted. He could have waved His hand and proclaim the miracle over him. He could have dismissed or ignored him. Yet Jesus stopped where He was going. He paid attention to him, he listened and he heard him. Jesus immediately responded with love and mercy to make a way for the blind beggar to receive sight.

Within a year of that pivotal prayer moment, I met and married my soul mate, Rick, who continues to show God’s unconditional love. God prepared me to receive and give love. It began with a conversation with Jesus at my kitchen table. My love story continues as does the conversations with Jesus. I praise God for the ability to give and receive love.

Be careful what you ask for, you may receive it in a way that surprises you.

What do you want Jesus to do for you?

Stand Firm

by Vianne Satterfield

Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Taking a stand and standing on God’s promises are vital aspects of having courage to stand firm, which is not for the faint-hearted. As followers of Christ, we are exhorted by the Apostle Paul to put on the full armor of God, which gives us the weaponry needed to successfully fight spiritual battles. The spiritual weapons include the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word.

Standing firm is a stance of faith and confidence in Jesus Christ who enables us to win against our enemy. Jesus Christ is our Victor; we can be victorious and overcome the battle that is before us. When we have equipped ourselves with God’s armor, we have His strength — we can stand our ground; we can resist the devil and we can stand firm.

As we stand firm with our spiritual armor on, we are less likely to give in to the tactics of the enemy, namely fear, doubt and discouragement. I fight against these top tactics especially when faced with obstacles and challenges of various kinds. It can be frustrating but I remember to straighten my armor, pull my shoulders back and stand firm so that I can fight and pray more effectively! Fighting spiritual battles effectively requires active faith and persistence, not passivity or giving up easily.

Remember: Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4) Be confident in the Lord and know that He will go with us wherever we go and whatever battle we may face. (Joshua 1:9)

I thank God for enabling us to be victorious in Christ. I ask the Lord to help us be confident while fighting the battles and to give us courage to stand for God and His ways. I ask the Lord to help us to defeat fear, doubt and discouragement. I thank the Lord for His empowerment and presence in our lives that gives us the ability to resist the evil one. I thank the Lord for the promise that He is with us and strengthens us every step of the way. AMEN

I write this blog with the hope that others can receive encouragement from believing and applying God’s Word to their lives. Today, I need this encouragement to stand firm and be strengthened. I am thankful for the power of God’s Word. Amen

I highly recommend Priscilla Shirer’s Bible study entitled, “The Armor of God,” if you want to better understand how to effectively utilize the armor of God in your daily life.

Declare The Goodness of God

By Vianne Satterfield

When I remember who God is and express gratitude for all He has done, I can praise Him and proclaim His goodness, which is all around me as I look for Him.

Even in the midst of trial or suffering, God’s goodness is revealed. God shows Himself as mighty and strong. One of God’s names is El Shaddai, which means God Almighty or the All Sufficient One. (Genesis 17:1) Nothing is too difficult for God — there is no problem, no issue, no disease, nothing that is too hard for God. Jeremiah 32:17 “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”

Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

When I am weak, I declare God as my strength. I am thankful that He is always available to be my help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1), and I lean on Him for guidance and support.

When I sin or experience the natural consequences of mistakes, I remember God is loving and gracious. God is full of compassion, mercy and grace. He is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. (Exodus 34:6) God demonstrated His great love to mankind by sending His son, Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sin. (I John 4:10, 16) God forgives and enables me to forgive others, including myself, as I learn to practice self-compassion and grace.

When I experience disappointment, I remember God is faithful and true to His Word. He keeps his promises and doesn’t fail. “The word of the Lord is right and true; You are faithful in all you do!” (Psalm 33:4)

When I am feeling overwhelmed and do not know what to do, I remember God is generous and wise and will give wisdom to me and not rebuke me for asking. (James 1:5)

When I am hurting or suffering, I remember God as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals. (Exodus 15:26)

When I am alone and in need of a friend, I remember God as Jehovah Shammah, God who is already there. God’s Presence is enough. (Ezekiel 48:35)

When I experience lack, I remember God as Jehovah Yireh, the Lord who provides. (Genesis 22:14) 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

I am thankful for God’s strength and power, His love and grace, His faithfulness and generosity, His healing touch, His presence and His provision.

What are you thanking God for today? Share in the comments section as I would love to hear from you.