The best life is a God First life

Category: Worry

The Prayer that led to Root-Growing change

I remember a time when my desire to solve “out-of-my-control” situations was so great that it became all-consuming and overwhelming. I had to realize my inadequacy and humble myself to the one person who could help: God!

I am thankful we don’t have to face life’s difficulties alone, aren’t you?

I am grateful that through Jesus we can humbly pray to God, share our concerns, and lay our burdens at Jesus’ feet, trusting that God will provide.

I was feeling overwhelmed by concerns beyond my control when, one night, I decided to turn them all over to Jesus in an in-depth, on-my-knees prayer. It turned into a prayer full of tears and begging. A prayer of repentance for not having already trusted and turned these concerns over to Jesus and God’s loving hands. At the end of that prayer, an unexplained weight lifted from my shoulders. I got up from that prayer, trusting and believing God would help, and He did.

It was NOT a click-of-a-switch change, but rather a ROOT-GROWING change that took time and my trust. From that moment onward, my attitude changed, and I began a lifelong shift that helped me focus on what I could control and pray for what I couldn’t. I came to trust that God’s hands were on my concerns. While I’ve had moments of despair since then, it doesn’t take long to remember and realize I must turn it over to God and Trust God.

There is no better solution!

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV

No need to be Anxious

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

God of All Comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ, we share abundantly in comfort too.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5   

God First!

Offering to pray with someone.

The day I wrote most of the following, I had the urge to ask someone if I could pray with them about concerns weighing heavily on their heart, not just pray for them; however, for some reason, I felt awkward about extending this offer of prayer and instead offered to include them in my prayers. After they left, I reflected on that moment and was disappointed in my hesitation. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and that God hears and answers prayers, but I’d missed the opportunity to share that understanding one-on-one.

There are several benefits to praying with someone rather than just for them; here are a few:

  1. In praying with someone, we step out of our shells and open our hearts to their needs; by doing so, we display Christ’s love for them through prayer.
  2. We show compassion and genuine interest in their situation while demonstrating our faith and trust in God’s ability to help them.
  3. Our relationship with that person builds.
  4. I’ve been told how such an unexpected invitation to pray inspired people to change their lives and move toward Christ dramatically, and I’ve seen them do so.

Christians care about others!

Praying for others is good, and praying with and for others can have a significant impact.

I’ve personally shared concerns with others and been unexpectedly asked: “Can we pray about this?

Admittedly, I was taken aback by their offer; however, these one-on-one moments are now fondly etched in my mind forever. I believe much good can come from praying with others and making such prayer invitations a habit.

In Acts chapter 4, the disciples prayed for boldness. As I grow stronger in Christ, I pray that God will help me overcome hesitations, great or small, and that I will serve Christ with all boldness.

If I never make a difference, it won’t be because I didn’t try!

  • James 5:16-18
  • Ephesians 6:19
  • Ephesians 5:2
  • John 13:34
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

God First!

Slow Down – Enjoy the moment

I slept almost 8 hours last night for the first time in a while. I believe I got into REM and found myself dreaming deeply. In the dream, I was running around getting things done. I was in a hurry, feeling rushed to go somewhere as I did things; opening big doors, going down hallways and into rooms searching for something I needed. I was also. Trying to do menial tasks for others; because I said I would. Then, I realized it was nine minutes past when I was supposed to be somewhere important. It was then that I awoke feeling overwhelmed and upset.

I immediately thought: I need to slow down and enjoy the moments of each day with Virginia (My Wife). I am rushing too much and thinking about things out of my control.

• “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

• “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

• “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25

• “Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

© 2026 Advocate for Christ

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑