Friday, April 7, 2017

Steeped in the Lord


However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:21 KJV
Up early, young Davy decided to make Gramma some tea. Filling the teakettle, he placed it on the stove and waited for the whistle, then he poured it into Gramma’s big teapot. Unsure of how many bags to use, he decided on two, and suspended them by their strings between the lid and pot. Then he placed the cozy over the pot, and went to brush his teeth and wash his face and hands. Cleanup complete, Davy returned and poured Gramma a cup, and headed for her bedroom.
Being from the United Kingdom, Gramma loved tea, it was a part of her life. As she tipped the cup, she realized Davy hadn’t used enough teabags. Not wanting to crush Davy’s spirit she said, “Quite tasty! How many teabags did you use, Honey?”
“Two, Gramma!” he proudly asserted.
She chuckled to herself, and said, “Oh, Honey, thank you so much! I believe this is the best cup of tea I’ve ever had.” She watched as a smile of accomplishment spread across Davy’s face.
“I’ll make s’more as soon as you finish this pot, Gramma!” he proclaimed.
Once more, Gramma’s wisdom shone through as she said, “I think I’ll just take my time and enjoy this pot, Honey.”
Steeping tea correctly requires knowledge of how the teabags respond to boiling water. If not enough bags are used, or too short a time is permitted, the desired results are not achieved.
Prayer and fasting are much the same. If we fail to spend sufficient time in God’s presence we don’t receive a significant result. Extended soaking in the Holy Spirit allows Spiritual knowledge and wisdom to penetrate the deepest recesses of our heart.
Jesus, in today’s text, is showing us that there are some things that require extended instruction, and only by spending time in prayer while fasting can we gain the necessary understanding to overcome our unbelief.
To walk in power we must be steeped in God’s presence. The longer we steep, the stronger we become.

Prayer
“Lord Jesus, reveal to me the truth of my unbelief. And then, help rid me of it as I draw close to hear Your instruction. Amen.”


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