praying effectively: Be Steadfast (1 Cor.15:51-58, 16:13-16)

(1 Corinthians 15:51-58)  Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

(1 Corinthians 16:13-16)  Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), 16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we should be steadfast and immovable in our faith because we know eternity in heaven awaits us  (15:58, 16:13)

- that we are strong (16:13)

- that we should be on the alert (16:13)

- that we act mature (16:13)

- that everything we do should be done in love (16:14)

- that we respect, be obedient to and work alongside devoted believers (16:16)

- that we should be wanting to serve God every chance we get because we know eternity in heaven awaits us (15:58)

- that we should know our service to God is not in vain (15:58)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the eternal hope we have in You.  May this inspire us to stand strong in Your strength.  May this inspire us to grow in Your wisdom.  And may this inspire us to serve others and serve with others in Your love.  Amen.