This story takes us back a few years ago (okay, so maybe it was more like 20 -
or is it closer to 25?). My wife and I had just returned from our honeymoon, and
we were heading for the capital of the state where we were residing, to apply
for my green card.
Having been born in Belgium, a green card was necessary in order for me to be
able to stay in the United States. I had spent the last year teaching at a local
college in a small town in that state, and I had a contract to continue teaching
there the following school year. In fact, I was supposed to start teaching
summer school in just a few days! The last school year had been considered legal
due to a special visa granted to foreign students who had recently graduated
from an American university. But the time on my visa was quickly running out. We
knew we had to do something quickly.
We had already made one trip to immigration. We had gotten married in
California, and just before leaving on our honeymoon, we had visited the local
office. I was told that I would have to apply in the state where I would be
residing, but I was assured that the process only took two weeks in California.
Thanks to this information, we were able to have a stress-free honeymoon, and as
we entered the Immigration office in our home state, I wasn't worried in the
least.
I left shocked and shaking in my boots. I had just been told that it would take
at least two years to obtain a green card, as immigration laws vary according to
the state you live in! With summer school just days away, I would either be
forced to work illegally, or I would have to break my contract.
We decided to contact a lawyer specializing in immigration issues. The initial
visit cost us $500, money that we, as newlyweds, simply didn't have, and we were
left no better off than we were when we entered the building. The future still
looked grim. There was no hope in sight.
Back home, some friends suggested we contacted our local congressman. We did,
and two months later, I had my green card. Why? Because an outstanding
Congressman, a compassionate man who cared for his constituents, backed my
application. His signature made all of the difference!
Having the backup of an important name can open closed doors. Prayer works in
the same way. There is a reason why we are told to pray in the name of Jesus.
When He allows us to use His name in this way, He is guaranteeing that He is
backing up our requests!
"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to
the Father." (John 14:13 NIV)
"…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ." (Eph 5:20 NIV)
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
(Matthew 18:20 NIV)
It's hard to believe, isn't it? The Creator Himself, our Savior and Redeemer,
backs up our prayers! And not only this, His Spirit plays an important role as
well: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
(John 14:26 NIV); "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we
ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that
words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the
Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's
will." (Romans 8:26-27 NIV)
We have an intercessor who helps us "in our weakness"! He helps us express our
true selves in prayer, so that our words will reach to heaven!
But wait! It gets even better!
"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is
able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always
lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy,
blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." (Heb 7: 24
- 26 NIV)
Not only in Jesus backing up our petitions by letting us used His name; not only
is His Spirit interceding for us; but Jesus is interceding on our behalf as
well! Our prayers are that important! With such high powers backing us up, we
can be certain that our prayers are not only heard, but they are also being
fulfilled according to our best eternal interest. God cares for us, and He is
not only looking forward to spending time with us for eternity, but also to
spending quality time with us right here and now. Wow! He is that awesome!
Let's never doubt that our prayers are important. Everything about you is
significant to God! "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be
removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10 NIV)
Are you facing problems? Bring them to the highest authority possible! He cares
for you!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.