by Pastor Patrick Cho

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to sit under the teaching of Pastor James Lee of Pillar Bible Church as he gave three challenging messages on the topic of dependence and prayer. It was a wonderful time to study God’s Word, but a convicting time of evaluating our hearts and prayer life. Sadly, prayer is a much neglected and downplayed discipline. Many believers do not give it much effort because they doubt that it will do any practical good. This reflects not only our poor faith and understanding, but also our tendency towards self-sufficiency and self-reliance. These are blatant displays of our pride.

One of the hardest truths about living the Christian walk is that it requires a daily taking up of the cross (Mark 8:34). One realizes that if he wants to grow in faith, it is going to require the painful process of pruning (John 15:2). But what results is greater faith, greater maturity, and greater reliance upon the Lord. Because of this, the Christian joyfully accepts trials (James 1:2-4). He understands that it is worth it to sell all to obtain the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45-46).

Paul understood this truth well and gladly accepted the exchange. He referred to the hardships he faced as a result of the gospel as light momentary affliction, and compared it to an eternal weight of glory to be had in heaven (2 Cor. 4:17). He understood that in his weakness, God’s strength could be put on display (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

It is very difficult to be in the place where you do not know what to do, what to say, or even what to think about a hard situation or your difficult circumstances. It can be a terrifying experience to be at the end of yourself, where all you can do is pray and trust in God. There is a certain amount of faithlessness that most Christians struggle with when they get to that point because of the sense of vulnerability, powerlessness, and ignorance.

But still, the truth remains that there could be no better place for the believer. In Christ, and with Paul, we can boast about our weaknesses. As we lean on the Lord, how much more will we be amazed at what He accomplishes through us? And when we see spiritual fruit, we can confidently praise God because we know it was Him and not us. This is a difficult road, indeed, but a glorious one as well. The one who takes to this road will see the Lord more clearly, will know the Lord more deeply, and will experience His power more consistently.