Don't Try This AloneНамуна

God is such an intentional Father to us that He wants every single detail. Philippians 4:6–7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When the apostle Paul spoke into our anxiety, he was doing it in the context of a command, not a request. Paul wasn’t saying that we wouldn’t get anxious; he was saying that when we get anxious, we should remember that on the other side of our prayers, there’s a miracle-working God who answers them according to His good and perfect will for our lives.

I also love that Paul used the word “every” in this scripture. Paul was teaching us that every prayer, every situation that we are wading through, is important to God. Everything should be prayed about. Looking for that promotion? Finances are tight and you’re hoping for a random check in the mail? You’ve been on one too many dates that are awkward and you deeply desire for the next one to be normal? A loved one is not doing well, and you’re believing for healing? Your big toe is hurting from wearing those heels a little too long that one night? Temptation from an addiction getting hard to manage? God wants it all. He doesn’t leave one area of our lives untouched. He wants all of it to work for our good. So don’t let shame win when you have to rally the troops for prayer on your behalf. Lean in; give them every crevice. . . .

As humans we can’t see the bigger picture past our pain, but God absolutely can. In His almighty power, He knows that it all ends good, so He has a peace that our earthly eyes just can’t see. What’s special about our relationship with God is that in our salvation we have access to His peace. We may not be able to understand it, but we absolutely get to tap into it. We get to experience the peace of God, without even being able to fully understand it.

Prayer

Lord, I am so thankful to know that You are intentional and know everything about me. I will rest in the fact that You have a plan for me, and I will embrace the peace You offer me. Amen.

We hope you enjoyed this 5-day devotional from Toni Collier based on her book, Don't Try This Alone.