Being a friend of God

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11

There are so many reasons why people come to God to pray. Prayer is opening our hearts to God as to a friend. From the text, Paul provided us an image of becoming friends with God as soon as we have made a right relationship with Him. Since the basis of our relationship with Him is compared to having a strong friendship with Him, then our part is to be open and real with Him. Our prayers should reflect what we really have in our hearts. Job expressed his sentiments to God wishing that he could go back to the good old days (see Job 29:2-6). David prayed that God will avenge him against those that are planning against him (see Psalm 55:16-23). As in any relationship, dialogue is important. Once we bring to Him our prayers, we should be open to hear from Him. This means that we have the readiness to accept His will for our lives. And He will reveal His plans to us for it is His way of expressing His love to us. So when we come to Him in prayer, it is not about getting what we want but to trust that whatever God provides, by faith we will abide by His will. What matters to God is to have a strong relationship with us this means that it is important for Him to convey to us clearly His will for our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). When you pray you are not trying to manipulate God so you can have Him stamp His approval to all you ask, you are praying so you could surrender yourself to His will. You trust Him that even if you do not understand everything yet, all you want is to grow deeper in your relationship with Him. Job did not get what He asks for but He got to know more of who God is. “I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:5-6). So many things that God wants to reveal to us and all we need is trust that He is unfolding His will for our lives. “May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com