Praying For What You Have

Dr. E. Stanley Jones was a 20^th century Methodist Christian missionary. A prolific author, he spent a considerable amount of his life in India laboring to spread the good news of the Gospel. He was a bold man whose actions earned him the nickname, “The Billy Graham of India.”

In one of his many books, Dr. Jones made a powerful observation regarding contentment.

“I don’t know of a thing that I want that I haven’t got,” he wrote. “All I want is more of what I have got.”

Can you say the same thing? Can I?

In study after study, Christians report praying for many of the same things: health, safety, jobs, marriages, anxiety and fears. There is nothing wrong with bringing our concerns and needs to the Lord. In fact, we’re encouraged to do so (Mark 11:24, Luke 11:9)!

Yet, the late Dr. Jones is simply reminding us to echo the words of the apostle Paul, who when writing to the Philippians spoke of ultimate contentment:

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

As you tackle your next steps today and throughout the weekend, may these inspired words lift your sights so much so that you can say and pray as did Dr. Jones, “I don’t know of a thing that I want that I haven’t got. All I want is more of what I have got.”