“You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 CSB
It was early in my adult life, I was just turning back to Jesus after the tumultuous years of my 20’s. I remember I was slowly working my way out of a bad relationship. I can’t remember exactly what the drama of the day was, but I knew I needed a friend. It was before the days of cell phones, I remember distinctly the phone I used. It was a payphone I would use to call my friend Laura when I was at work. I tried valiantly to get through to her, yet it was always busy. Which was odd, because I never had a problem getting through eventually. Then it hit me like a bolt of lightning, it wasn’t Laura I should be calling, it was God. That was a turning point in my life that I have never forgotten. As the years have progressed, I’ve gotten much better at calling God first.
These are some of the beautiful reasons why you should call God first. He always answers. There is never a time when you will get a busy signal. He listens to what you have to say. And you don’t have to censor your words, you can let it all hang out. The good, the bad, the ugly, give it all to Him. He will never hold it against you. He won’t throw it back in your face with an “I told you so.” He will just listen. Then He will answer, because He is the One who has all of the answers. It may not be today, tomorrow, or even next year, but He will answer. And when He does, you will be glad you called Him first.
Amazing things happen when you pray. You gain new perspective as you slow life down by spending time with God. You will draw closer to God as you spend more time with Him. You help others by praying for them, whether friend or foe. Your burden, whatever it is, will be lifted. This truth is what draws me to my knees more than any other. When I’m struggling with a situation, nothing lightens the load more than prayer. Another thing that happens is you join with others who are praying, you come into agreement with them on what God can and will do. And when you pray, it is an act of worship, praising God for what He has done, what He will do and what He is doing.
Next time you sit down to have coffee with a friend, let that friend be Jesus. Call Him first.
