April 29, 2010
John 17
Pastor Paul Turbedsky
“My prayer is not for them alone (referring to his disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message (eternal life through Christ).” - John 17:20
Regardless of age or season of life, we have all been on the receiving end of failures and disappointments from close friends and family. Often our gut reaction is to write them off and want nothing more of them in our lives…or at least for the rest of the day.
Jesus could have done the same, knowing that His disciples would deny Him. Instead He prayed for them (verses 6-19). Even when Peter denied Him, he was later reinstated (John 21:15-19). When He was called to be crucified by the same people who just days before had welcomed Him into the city, He prayed for them (verses 20-26).
Remember Job’s suffering and confusion - getting bad advice from family and friends? He never turned his back on God and he remembered his friends. Although Job could have broken relationship with everyone, he prayed for them. God rewarded him with twice as much as before (Job 42:10).
It’s easy to pray for loved ones needing provision or health. However, when people fail and disappoint you, it is usually challenging to be kind and compassionate. If you suffer hurts from others’ actions and words, follow Christ’s example and pray for them, even when…
Can you think of someone who wronged you? Stop what you are doing and pray for him/her. Prayer opens the pathway to the miraculous even when…
Did you know? Prior to ministry, Pastor Paul worked for many years in sports medicine, treating athletes from a variety of professional sports teams.
