20 Apr Contend In Prayers

Have been pondering over Pastor Jeremy’s words regarding “Contend in prayers”

I’m naturally an optimistic person and a visionary, ambitious, entrepreneur type person. Walking in the wilderness refines my character, ambition to be more aligned to Christ’s character, ambition etc. At the same time, I feel like Moses in his wilderness tending to sheep for a long period of time. I suspect at some point, Moses is just being where he is, and when God calls him for something seemingly too big to handle, he told God that he is not capable to do the task. Likewise I feel the same, I had big visions and dreams but these days through the wilderness, I don’t feel capable.

God spoke through Ps Jeremy to contend for my big visions and dreams in prayers. In my pondering, I found this very interesting. To contend in prayers is to intentionally fight and strive for something. It requires effort. However God says strive and use your effort in prayers, not by might nor self power.

20 Apr 2023

Morning reading: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

The woman had no rights (gentile, woman, unclean etc) Jesus tells of the right order. Jews first, not gentiles yet. She contends, not based on her rights but on Jesus’ goodness. She accepts that she is a dog eating under the table. However Jesus’ goodness is overflowing and there’s enough for everyone. There’s crumbs under the table.

Was reading the commentary based on Tim Keller’s writings and the word contend reminds me of Ps Jeremy’s use of the word contend. I should contend for my dreams for business and ministries not of my own rights but on the goodness of God.