Press the arrow to listen to Third Day sing, “Cry Out to Jesus” while reading today’s devtion about God’s interest in you.

Scripture
You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16

Observation
If we work too hard for the Lord we can twist things around the wrong way. In our workaholic state, we think, “This ministry is my idea and I have to convince the Lord to be interested enough to help me.” Our prayers turn into frantic attempts to flag down a supposedly disinterested God, while we worry if we will have what we need to finish the job.

Jesus would not have that attitude from his first disciples, nor from us. Instead, this is to be our attitude: this ministry is God’s plan and I am free to ask for whatever I need to get the job done.

Application
The Father is interested. That single thought can lubricate the rusty gears of our ministry and make all things possible. What I have planned today that leads into this week and the coming year is all of top priority to the Lord. He called me to do this with him; I did not appoint myself. Therefore, surprising resources are at the disposal of Him who stoops low and cups his ear to hear what I have to say.

Prayer
Father, today I want to pray like one who is being heard and not like one who is trying to get your attention. I find I like to hear others pray that way, and feel secure when they do. Today, I will pray with that same sense of anticipation. You are listening. Amen.