Are you Naked?
I imagine this title caught your attention when you received the weekly email, or came across the post on the KIC Lubowa church website. Perhaps you found the post when searching for the word, ‘Naked.’ I had a quick look at Google’s records for Uganda and found the search term was particularly popular in 2016 in central Uganda followed by Western Uganda. No comment on those results. Anyway I am sure 99% of you are here because you simply saw this weeks devotion and the word probably stood out as it’s not often used in devotions or preaches.
In my conversations with God over the last few weeks he used the phrase, “Are you naked?” Probably to catch my attention because it was so out of the ordinary. I asked God, “What do you mean, am I naked? You can see I am dressed.” God, as direct as ever replied, “Rory I am referring to your prayer life, not your body. Are you putting on the Armour of God? Are you praying for your family? For your work? For Uganda and the wider world?” I fumbled a weak answer. “You know I pray God. Surely you didn’t miss my arrow prayers!? Or don’t you recall all those mornings last year when I was up at 5am praying for my family?” This was all true. “Yes, Rory, when you are in crisis, you do pray. How about when you are not in crisis?” God had cornered me. I had no excuse. I was naked.
How about you? Are you naked? How is your prayer life? I am not focusing on the armour of God in this devotion. I am simply querying your prayer life. Let me also be very clear. I don’t want you to feel condemned. Rather, if prayer is an area you struggle with, it is better that the Holy Spirit convict you in love. I know we could all pray more and God doesn’t want us constantly walking around depressed that we haven’t prayed enough. However, prayer is the most incredible gifts / tools / weapons, and is extremely powerful. I also always find it incredible that God has chosen to partner with us through prayer.
9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
(1 Corinthians 3:9)
Isn’t that remarkable? The God of the universe who created the heavens and the earth partners with us? I could mediate on that thought for the rest of my life and still never fully fathom it. What a privilege. Ok. So now I can hear you asking, that’s all great Rory, but how do I motivate myself to pray and partner with God? One of my favourite verses that motivates me is in Thessalonians. Paul writes:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Start with rejoicing. You might say, ”How can we rejoice during this crisis?” My challenge would be that God states this, ‘is the will of God. The key is to, ’Give thanks in all circumstances.’ I have found over the years that when we start from a place of thanksgiving, even when it’s hard, it changes everything. You might say, “but Rory you have no idea how difficult life is right now!” Indeed, I cannot know all of your circumstances. All I can say is having lived 43 years so far I, like all of us, I have experienced many challenging situations.
One of the hardest seasons was exactly one year ago. We had just lost JP, an employee who lived at our house, my wife was battling depression, my daughter was suffering incredible stomach pain requiring an emergency evacuation to South Africa and one of my key team members, at work, had abruptly resigned days before we launched our new school year due to a new overseas business opportunity.
As you can imagine I was in a tough place trying to be a father, husband and team leader at work. I was at the end of myself and it was just me and God. It was at this time that I started waking up at 5am to worship, rejoice and pray. It wasn’t easy and I probably cried more than I prayed. However, it was a precious time with my Father. He sustained me, helped me keep perspective and stayed close.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
(Matthew 5:4)
In time our circumstances changed. Beth gained mental health again, Savannah’s stomach pains reduced and she was cleared of any serious medical issues, we found an incredible replacement at work and God brought peace over the loss of JP knowing he is in a far better place. Since then, other battles have come my way and I have no doubt there are many more ahead. God will always equip us for the next battle and I take heart knowing:
‘that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.’ - Romans 5:3-5 NIV
Put your Hope in God today and through this season. He is Faithful, He is Good and he will never put you to shame. Next, ‘pray without ceasing.’ This is where I personally struggle. It doesn’t mean pray 24/7. Rather it means build a life of discipline where we don’t just pray in crisis, but in ALL circumstances. This might start with a 5 minute prayer as you walk to work. Or over a coffee as the sun rises. Don’t aim for an hour at first as you will simply not sustain it at the beginning. Just like I have built my muscles (Ha Ha) over the years at the gym I didn’t start with 250kg dumbbells. I started with 10kg. Then 15kg……I am still working on that! However, my point is start with small steps. God loves even having 5 minutes with you in the morning. Develop the habit and then build on it. If you miss a day it’s fine. Each day is a new beginning.
Finally be faithful in praying through ALL circumstances. A relationship should never be conditional. God faithfully loves you no matter what you do, say or fail to do. It’s consistent. Don’t let circumstances dictate your prayer life or your theology. Truth is truth and God is God. Unchangeable the same yesterday, today and always.
I hope you are challenged, encouraged and if you are naked that you can at least get your pants on today! God Bless!
Rory
