[Philippians 1:9-11 KJV] “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; [10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; [11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
Most of us can make the right choices, say the right things, and do the right things when all is well, but only a few can do same without help in good but uncertain times. These times are good but very uncertain. Many of us don’t know what shall befall us in the next minute or day. Disheartening and terrifying news pour in into our homes daily because we allow it. Many hearts are failing and fearing because of the news of death and calamity that we hear every day. In times like this when we are not sure of what lies ahead, there are five key things we must pray for.
These are not normal times. I get surprised when I hear the news of businesses hiking prices and trying to hoard goods and essentials. What are you hoarding for? Are you so sure that you will be alive in the next 21 days? Of what use will these profits and money be should the unfortunate happen to such people? I am really surprised at our love for money and gain over the welfare of others.
I want to submit that in these uncertain times when there is no congregating together, schooling, and many things have come to a temporary hold; let us desire, believe, and pray for these five things:
1. That our love may abound more and more in knowledge and judgement:
In desperate times, iniquity abounds and the love of many waxes cold. It is, therefore, important to pray for grace that your love will abound more and more in knowledge and in judgement. I pray that you will find time and pray that your love will abound more and more. I pray that your zeal and love shall be with knowledge and discretion. Don’t allow desperate times to make you make silly mistakes in ignorance. Many people love but without wisdom, the fact that the times are uncertain should not make you love without knowledge and discretion. Apostle Paul in prayer for his people, Israel, in Romans mentioned that they had zeal but without knowledge. May your love for God be with knowledge!
2. That we may approve of things that are excellent:
In uncertain times many people make very foolish decisions. Many people, like Esau, choose pottage over birthright. May you never be driven by desperation to make imperfect choices. You will receive grace to approve of things that are excellent. Tamar, in her desperation, trapped Judah into her bed and got pregnant; that was not an excellent choice. We see the difference between Ruth and Orpah; Ruth had the grace to do what was excellent! Receive that grace. May you escape the trap of selling your birthright for a morsel of bread!
3. That we may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ:
Thirdly, pray that you will maintain your honesty till the day of Christ. Don’t cut corners because the times are desperate! May you maintain your sincerity without offence to the last day. May the Lord help you. Many get offended in desperate and uncertain times but you will not. May God sustain you! May you not be trapped into seeking dishonest gains. There is no wisdom in lying to yourself!
4. That we may be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ Jesus:
Listen, according to the wisdom of Luke 11:23-25, it is very dangerous to eject, sweep, garnish, but not fill. When unclean spirits go out of a man, they seek rest in dry places but if they find none they return to their home. The Bible says if they come and find the place sweep and garnished but empty, they look for seven other more wicked spirits, and they come to possess the man, and the last state of that man becomes worse than before. When you drive out devils, sweep your life and garnish it; spend time to fill your heart and life with fruits of righteousness.
5. That the will of God may be perfected in those affected in any way by the times:
Finally, pray that the Lord will perfect that which concerns those who have been affected. Some have been affected in ways that will take only grace to bring them out. Pray for them.
Be blessed, I love you!
Kofi Simpe
