I’ll Have What She’s Having

I pray that others have what I have

Acts 26:1-32

Reference: Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29 NIV)

Explore: I recently had a friend whose father passed away. Although he had been deteriorating quickly due to a terminal disease, his loss was devastating for her and her family.

Having lost my own father three years ago, I sympathised with her. The grief that you feel for the loss of such a loved one is immense.

As I spoke to her, I noticed a key difference in our understanding of death. As a long-term committed Christian, I had the confidence that my father was in Heaven with his Saviour.

My friend, on the other hand, only thought that there could be, maybe, something bigger out there. Her father dying was a loss to everyone and there was no relief without the hope of a loving God.

Application: Each time I go through a challenge in my life, I rely so heavily on the hope I have through Christ. It makes me realise how much harder life would be without it. And it gives me greater compassion for those who don’t believe.

I can’t imagine how hard it is for them to experience the challenges of life not knowing that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. And so, like Paul, I too pray that others have what I have. It’s not out of arrogance that we say this, but out of the knowledge that a faith in God gives you more hope and purpose than you could ever imagine. And it’s during those hard times that you realise it the most.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for my friend ____ who is not in a relationship with You. I am so blessed by Your love and I pray for my friend that they, too, will experience the grace You have for all of humanity. Amen.

Think of someone you know who needs Jesus in their life and  commit to pray for them. 

Acts, belief, challenge, Christian, grace, love