Could Ye Not Watch With Me One Hour?/Tuesday, August 25, 2009
by Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 26:36–40
Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons—but they are helpless against our prayers.—Sidlow Baxter
Of all items recovered from the Civil War, most notable are the writings of the soldiers. The sketches of the young boys, middle-age men, and older soldiers tell a story that no history book could ever describe. The following was written by an unknown Confederate soldier:
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for—but everything I had hoped for…
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
This soldier realized that even when things didn’t go as planned, God still blessed. Even when his prayer requests weren’t answered the way he desired, God was still working. This soldier was faithful in prayer no matter what circumstances he faced.
Why are we so temperamental in our prayer life? Too often we resemble the disciples in our verses rather than this soldier. Christ has invited us to pray with and to Him, yet many times we become distracted, hurry through it, or become satisfied with a shallow prayer.
The Maker of the Universe stands ready to hear your problems, console your heartaches, listen to your requests, and answer the questions you may have. Have you taken advantage of the fact that, unlike the god of any other religion, your God wants to talk to you?
Could it be said of your prayer life that you were faithful no matter the circumstances you faced? Or would God ask you, "Could you not watch with Me one hour?" Don’t let time in prayer become mundane; remember that each time you enter into prayer, you are entering the presence of the One who created you, the One who eternally saved your soul, and the One who you will one day meet in Heaven! Spend earnest time in prayer right now. Pour your heart out to God (He wants to hear everything you have to say) and remember that no matter how He answers your prayers, God is still good to you.