Joining The Struggle

“I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there.”
Romans 15:30-31 (NIV UK)

Problems are for sharing. This is one of the foundational messages in Christianity. Whatever trials you may be facing or concerns you have for the future, you are not alone.

In the passage above Paul is contemplating an upcoming ministerial visit to the New Testament church headquarters. He is worried that he may fall into the hands of Jewish unbelievers, among whom he was once numbered, and is anxious about how he would be received by the Christians there. He is battling inwardly with this issue, and opens up completely to the Roman believers by asking them to join his struggle by praying about it.

We all can do this. We can pray for others, and ask others to pray for us. At another time Paul tells the Corinthian church that he sets his hope on Christ to intervene on his behalf and informs the church that they “help” by their prayers. “Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Jesus is with us in so many ways,. He is with us through the comfort of the Holy Spirit and also through the prayers of others.

Let’s share our problems, and join the struggles of other people through prayer.

Prayer
Lord, thank you that you comfort me through the prayers of others. Thank you for the fellowship of believers. Help me to intercede for others too and to join them in the struggle through prayer.
Amen

Study by james.henderson@wcg.org