The Cross . . . God’s Vehicle
The Cross . . . God's Vehicle
Too often we think of the Cross of Christ as something we must get through, yet we get through for the express purpose of getting into it. The Cross represents only one thing for each of us, com, entire, absolute identification with Jesus Christ, and there is nothing in which this identification is more real to us than prayer. "Your Father knows what you have need of before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). Why should you ask? The point is not to get answers from God, but to have perfect and complete oneness with Him. If we simply pray because we desire answers, we will become irritated and angry with God. The answer comes every time we pray, however, it does not always come in the fashion we expect, and our spiritual irritation is displayed in our refusal to identify with our Lord in prayer. Our assignment is not to prove that God answers prayer, but to be living representations of God grace.
I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you ..." (John 16:26-27). Have you reached this level of intimacy with God that the only thing that accounts in your prayer life is that this life has become one with the prayer life of Jesus Christ? When prayers appear to go unanswered, be cautious of attempting to place the blame on someone else. That is always a trap of Satan. When no answer seems to come, there is always a reason. God uses these times to share with you deep personal instruction, and it is not for anyone else but you.