Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. (Psalm 6:8-9).

When I was pursuing graduate studies at a secular college, I discovered how dangerous Christian commitments can be. Before the approval of my final project, a professor on my examining committee said that he would block my graduation because I had written that the Bible had dependable truth for today.

I was devastated. I had sacrificed thousands of dollars, thousands of hours, and tons of family focus for this degree. So, I doubled down on all my efforts to counter the professor’s opposition. I made calls, wrote memos, tried to get the man off my committee, and pleaded for understanding from university officials. None of the frenetic activity was working. 

Only when I came to the end of my solutions, did I recognize that I had not really, humbly prayed.

Convicted of my willingness to depend on my resources rather than my God, I did finally ask his help. He mercifully answered by having a senior professor that no one would challenge decide to support me. 

We are such silly creatures at times. We depend on human slingshots to fight for ourselves when heaven’s artillery is locked and loaded to accomplish Christ’s victories for us. 

A battle may still be necessary, and the victory may not be in our way or timing, but prayer is the signal for God’s artillery to bless as he knows is best. 

Prayer:
Lord, help me to turn to you more than my resources for the help I need. Remind me that prayer is your distant artillery for every Christian in a battle for you.