Do you have anyone in your life who is praying for you just now? Have you ever wondered what they actually say to the Lord when they mention your name in the Presence of their Father? Do you think their prayers for you may have changed in recent times? In what way? Think about it.
One day the old Apostle John sat down and wrote a letter to his Christian friend Gaius. He said:
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2
John was praying that Gaius’ physical health would be just as good as his spiritual health. He also prayed that all other facets of Gaius’ life would match the prosperity of his soul.
How would you feel if someone prayed that exact same prayer for you? How would I feel? Is my spiritual life doing poorly just now? Am I barren in my soul? Am I just going through the motions? Am I really empty spiritually?
If that same prayer was prayed for me — that other aspects of my life would be on par with my spiritual health – would my finances, my family life, my career and other things take a sharp nosedive down to the level of my spiritual condition?
Would I want my physical health to be as broken and hobbled as my spiritual life? Would I want my bank account to be as empty as my soul? Would I want my career to be as clouded and troubled as my heart is just now? Would you write your friend back and say: “Thanks, but please stop praying that way for me because I am not doing well at all spiritually?”
3John is a very short little letter to a personal friend, but what it reveals to us about Gaius is amazing. Sure, it could be the standard opening line of letters of that era, but don’t be so sure it was just a standard salutation. John knew a lot about his friend.
- Despite his personal health – Gaius was thriving spiritually. Despite his aches and pains or physical limitations – he was still happy in the Lord.
- Despite other things in his life – maybe major disappointments with his family, or financial loss or the theft of his only chariot – all sheer conjecture on my part by the way – still, Gaius’ heart was prospering spiritually. He wasn’t letting go of the truth; in fact, in the storms of his life, the truth was his anchor.
- And with everything else going on, Gaius kept busy entertaining the Lord’s people and showing hospitality. Perhaps if we were more focused on Christ and caring for His people, we would have less time to dwell on and mull over all the negatives.
- Despite a notorious despotic-like church leader domineering in the local assembly, Gaius’ heart was sweet and happy in the Lord. Christian – if you are wondering if it can be done – Gaius proved it was possible.
It seems Gaius guarded his heart like an army would guard its primary military base. Nothing was significant enough in life to allow into his heart that could potentially negatively affect his personal fellowship with the Lord. Nothing was more important than maintaining a sweetness of heart.
How is your heart today? If you have allowed something into your fortress, you also have the authority to cast it out and slam the door behind it. Expelled from your heart! Do it today. Your life is slipping by. Don’t allow the poisonous venom of bitterness to wreck your life and ruin your usefulness for the Lord.
Don’t live the rest of your life out of sorts – consumed by bitterness. The Lord has a better life for you to live. Deal with what you have allowed to stealthily sneak into the very citadel of your life – your heart.
How would you like a Christian to pray for you today?
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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