“Are You Hooked?”
“Are You Hooked?”
To be hooked is to be addicted to – fascinated by – or devoted to something. This statement: “Are you hooked?” can cover a lot of things; relationships – foods – drinks – substances – prayer. Prayer? Yes, prayer, and I’m “fitnah boutah” go there. I can go there because I was guilty of going to church, but I was not in church. I was guilty of listening to the pastor, but I was not hearing the pastor. I was guilty of reading the Word, but not doing the Word. I was guilty of praying to God, but not waiting on His answer. (I took matters into my own hands.)
“They that wait upon the Lord…” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV).
“Call to me and I will answer…” – Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV).
As I reflect on my life, I realize that God really does love me. God loves me like a mother loves her child. He loves me despite my sinful self. And His Word is Truth. I called on Him and He answered. He could have ignored me, but He didn’t. He showed me what real love is. He showed me Who, He really Is. I called; God answered. I’m now hooked. I’m devoted to prayer – devoted to God!
During our Word Life Bible Class, “Why Do We Pray?”, Pastor Brice taught that prayer produces an awareness about God and an affection for God. This is indicative of my testimony. I was going through the motions of being a Believer, but I wasn’t being true to myself nor God. God showed His Love for me, and I now reciprocate. Falling in love with Jesus, was the best thing I ever done. (Song lyrics: “Falling in Love With Jesus” by: Jonathan Butler.)
“No matter what you have done, you don’t have to be afraid to go to God.” – Pastor V.S. Brice
Do not get discouraged when God doesn’t answer right away. Keep on praying, no matter what! Praying is showing your faith in God. He will answer. As a matter of fact, He may have already answered you, but you weren’t listening because it wasn’t the answer you were expecting. God won’t always say yes to your prayers. Perhaps a yes answer to your request would not be the best thing for you. You will thank Him when He reveals why He said, “No!”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV).
Pray, wait on the Lord to reveal what He wants for you. Get hooked on prayer – be devoted to prayer. Let God’s Peace block all your anxieties while guarding your hearts and minds in Jesus.
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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan