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Would You Stay? (God's Concerns Series) - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) March 13, 2026
- P L U N D E R E R
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
There's a saying nowadays: go where you are appreciated and not where you are tolerated. It makes sense, no? Why stay where you are not treated well, and your talents are undervalued? Despite how sensible this statement seems, Christians must remember that a time may come when the Lord will send them where they are unwelcome and even despised. He could also ask them, as His servant, to leave a place where they were appreciated.
The question is, will you obey His instructions or will you decide to apply worldly wisdom instead of the godly kind?
Consider Jesus's experience in Galilee. While there, He performed countless miracles, signs, and wonders. Unlike the people of the Gadarenes who asked Him to leave after He healed the man who'd been demonized by 'Legion', this community tried to stop Him from going. Luke 4:43 - But Jesus told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well, because that is why I was sent.”
If most of us had been despised and conspired against as He was, it likely would have been tempting to remain among friendly faces. Jesus, however, put God's concerns above His. He made sure that flesh, pride, and the desire to please men did not interfere with His assignment. In humility to His Father, He rejected the invitation to remain, continuing on a journey He knew would lead to certain death.
How many of us could set aside what makes sense to put God's plan first? Could we give up our right to choose for ourselves? Would we get angry, bitter, and resentful with the Lord? Would that saying, "go where you're appreciated," convince us to stay where we are?
The Christian journey often requires hard choices. Following the Lord in obedience is far from easy, especially when He requires us to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. In the seasons of pruning, waiting, suffering - however it is the Lord chooses to build us for His purpose. In those moments, faith, not fear, is key. Worship, instead of complaints, will empower. The Word and the Holy Spirit must also serve as anchors.
We must not reject the Lord's process, and we have to be willing to follow in Christ's footsteps. Like Him. We must choose to give God our 'yes' even when we are called to leave places, situations, and people that we are comfortable with. Remember that long before Christ's example, Abraham, our spiritual ancestor, left his home and loved ones for an uncertain future because He'd heard the voice of God telling Him to do so. It's the Christian thing to do.
Both Abraham and Jesus were rewarded for submitting. Abraham was blessed with wealth in descendants and finances (Romans 4:11-12; Genesis 13:2). Jesus became wealthy in every way, receiving power, strength, wisdom, and more (Revelation 5:12). He was also honored with the privilege of being at God's right hand (Romans 8:34). That same God who sent His servants from comfortable places will care for us when we make a practice of obedience and putting His concerns first. He can be trusted at all times and in all ways. IJMN Amen.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
I was standing at a bridge, almost jump inna me casket.
God save me, me life, me can’t bin.
Tell the devil he can’t win.
Me nah gossip pon nobody.
When we link, we talking.
When me tell them say, me broke to the brim.
They was laughing.
(Hold on, Bwoy get new car and wan’ past people pon di road)
Mind we business, we can’t see ah we car tint.
And when we lacking in the prayer, the only time we nah win.
We have to keep we eye pon Jesus.
And no, we nah blink.
If death was a man, me affi ask him one thing.
Since God save me, where is your sting?
Father God, you affi…
CLOSING PRAYER
I come before the I Am to say thank You for another day of fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Father God, I am grateful for this grace You have shown us.
Thank You, Lord, for all the things we don't even know had to happen to make this possible. Be lifted up high forever!
As we come to a close, I pray for all who participated in one way or another. I pray that they did not leave the way they came. It is my prayer that they encounter You and Your Son, and that they be touched by Your transformative grace.
May they all know the love You have for them and feel surrounded…
In case you need a prayer, here's mine -
Dear Lord, thank You for today's message. I come before You today to pray on that basis and ask You to help me pray.
I pray, IJN, for the strength and wisdom to give You my unreserved yes. I pray for grace to obey You always. I know I can be stubborn, but I thank You for Your patience with me and pray that You, whose mercies never end, will continue to treat me with gentle compassion and patience when I mess up. Help me to hear Your voice and follow the lead of Your Spirit when He tells me which way to go or when to stand still. Help me…
LAST 10 MINUTES
Given today's topic, what is the prayer the Lord has placed on your heart?
For me, I want to submit to God and give Him my yes without reservation. I want to learn how to trust Him even more than I think I do so that when He needs someone to go, I'll be like Prophet Isaiah and say, "Send me, Lord" (Isaiah 6:8).
Think about the message. Read it again if you have to. Let the Holy Spirit minister to you on how you should pray for yourself. Then, call on the Lord in prayer.
I pray for the leaders of this country, oh Lord. Your word tells us it is by You that kings reign and issue just decrees (Proverbs 8:15). It is You who determines who rises to power and who is pulled down (Psalm 75:7).
Dear Father, help the leaders You have permitted to rule over us. Help them to submit to Your will and let You guide them. Help our leaders to issue just decrees and do what is pleasing to You.
Let our leaders come to a true knowledge of You, and Your way, IJMN, Amen.