Facing challenges through prayer

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Another way to face challenges through prayer is by inviting others to join in. This requires courage, especially for private people. But it can be a strengthening and encouraging experience to hear another person intercede for us. In addition, God may provide a solution through one of our prayer partners.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, June 25, 2022.

He will show us the way

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Psalm 17

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We’ll emerge from our prayer time with renewed vigor and confidence if, instead of merely concentrating on our most pressing difficulty, we acknowledge God’s capability to handle anything and everything that comes our way. Our faithful Father is always here for us. We can be certain He will show us how to face our difficulties, whether through another person, His Word, or His voice in our heart.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, June 25, 2022.

Prayer

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Please pray for them.

Why pray?

One of the purposes of prayer is to make us aware of our own dependence upon the Lord. No concern is too small to bring to Him, and nothing is too big for Him to handle. In fact, we are told to worry about nothing and to pray about everything.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, September 2021.

Getting to Know the Lord

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If our prayers have dealt only with presenting our requests to the Lord, we’ve missed a great opportunity to get to know the One with whom we’ll spend eternity. How much of your communion with God is devoted to your needs – even legitimate ones? Are you getting to know the Lord? Although God delights in our prayers and the details of our life, He also wants us to enjoy His presence.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 22, 2021.

Seeming silent

The story of Job offers encouragement. It reminds us that even if the Lord is silent, He knows the way we take, and after He has tried us, we shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10). In the meantime we’re told to hold fast to God’s path and wisdom. The more we treasure His Word, the more closely we’ll follow Him in obedience (Job 23:11-12). Like Job, we don’t know all that the Lord is doing in heaven, but He is always working on our behalf. Be encouraged by these truths today, and keep persevering in prayer.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, December 19, 2020.

Looking for direction

Sometimes people make decision they later regret because they listened to ungodly counsel. Here are four suggestions to help you discern what is wise, biblical advice:

1. Look for counsel that references God, the Bible, and Jesus. If it neglects or contradicts the principles of Scripture, the best thing to do is retreat.
2. If there’s a lot of talk but little prayer, think twice. Even with a great exchange of ideas and wisdom, a prudent advisor should ultimately defer to God and pray for His direction. Prayer is essential for attaining the whole counsel of God.
3. Avoid a counselor who compromises Scripture. People sometimes soften God’s requirements by saying things like, “Nobody’s perfect, so a little gossip, gambling, or other ‘fun’ won’t hurt.” Such rationalizing can quickly lead to destruction.
4. Beware of counsel quick to criticize the church. Someone who readily discredits the church may have a hurtful bias and a tendency to leave God out when giving advice.

Remember, living within each believer is the Counselor Himself – the Holy Spirit – who wants to help with all our decisions. Seek Him first and often.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, November 21, 2020.

Escape

Paul understood the importance and role of prayer, and he had supreme confidence in the Spirit.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Philippians 1:19.