Prayer Power
July 2007 I Am – The Way, The Truth, The Life Number 21
In the early 1800’s a pathway was cut from the eastern United States through the wilderness to the American west. Families soon came, creating settlements, and the truth of the Gospel followed. Life flourishes today because two men led that expedition into unexplored territory.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark ignored danger, and by canoe and horseback, pioneered a path from Pennsylvania to Oregon, opening a brave new world. They left the safety of home, crossed perilous rivers, and faced wild animals and Indians.
Traversing untamed frontiers, they finally reached the shores of the Pacific Ocean, returning home after 3 arduous, lonely years.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, is also a pioneer. He left His throne in Heaven, where He shared equal power and authority with God the Father, to be the way for us. He came to earth and by His sinless life and death on the cross, made a path through sin’s wilderness for us.
He gave His life so we could walk with Him on this way. He promises, if we will follow Him, to lead us safely into truth and life eternal and restore us to the Father’s love.
Jesus claims, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Truth and eternal life are found nowhere else.
Jesus "teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are loving-kindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies." (Psalm 25:9,10)
What way are you pursuing? Fame? Riches? Power? Comfort? There are many ways that seems right to man and appear straight before him, but in the end that way is death. (Proverb 14:12)
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it." (Matthew 7:13,14)
We’re admonished in God’s word to "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)
Are you searching for the way through your personal wilderness? Don’t be afraid to leave the crowd. Don’t be afraid to be the only one seeking eternal answers. Your friends will not go with you when you die. You will enter Eternity alone. They may not be hungry for eternal life. Don’t let that stop you.
Pray. Call out for help. Speak to God as you would a friend. Ask Him, as you walk life’s crossroads, where the ancient paths are, where the good way is. Expect God to answer you. He is Father; you are His child. It is Father’s responsibility to teach His child, to answer difficult questions.
Father God loves you. When you ask for help, Jesus, the Way maker, Truth speaker, Life giver, will enter your personal wilderness. Then you will flourish and know true life in Christ.
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Petey Prater is a Beaverton, OR, writer and speaker and can be reached at peteyprater@yahoo.com. She writes articles, poetry, and devotionals, and has contributed to three books.
Prayers for Troubled Times compiled by Jeannie St John Taylor, AMG Publishers and
101 Stories of Answered Prayer by Jeannie St John Taylor, AMG Publishers