Let’s Ask Jesus

You will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

Kyle and I signed up for a two-session training on Christlike healing. As the speakers shared how they had ministered to people over the years, bringing their faith into counseling, one of them said something that struck me.

He explained that so often people have an unhealthy view of Jesus because of what has happened to them or ways people have treated them, which we must address first. We must show them how much Jesus has always loved and cared for them.

He gave an example of someone lamenting to him about the traumas that had occurred in their life. When the person asked, “Where was Jesus?” the trainer leaned in and said, “Let’s ask him.”

He said he often answers people’s hard questions with “Let’s ask Jesus.” And Jesus answers. Sometimes with words, but often with a sense of peace or love that the person hasn’t experienced before. They often leave feeling loved and lighter than they had before they arrived. I sat back in my chair as the full weight of his words hit me.

I said to my husband later on, still pondering all we’d heard, “You know, I pray all the time, but I never just all-out think ‘Let’s ask Jesus.’ I know God answers prayers, but I never thought to be so direct. I’m going to start.”

How often do we pray, really expecting that God will answer? So many times, we can go through the motions of talking to God without waiting for his response. But Scripture is clear: when we call, the Lord will answer. And not just when things are going well. When we’re in a hard place and cry for help, he will say, “Here am I.” I’m so grateful that we don’t have to wonder if God is listening or if he cares or if he’ll respond to us. We can be confident that he will. We just have to ask.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Ask Jesus about something that’s been troubling you and wait to see how he answers—whether in word, a sense of peace, or some other response you weren’t expecting.