A pack of hyenas surrounded a lone lioness. When the cackling beasts attacked, the lioness fought back. Biting, clawing, growling, and roaring in a desperate attempt to ward off her enemies, she finally fell. As the clan engulfed her, another lioness came to the rescue with three helpers only seconds behind her. Though outnumbered, the big cats fought off the hyenas until they scattered. The lionesses stood together, scanning the horizon as if expecting another attack.
Believers in Jesus desperately need help from others too. The most powerful help we can offer is prayer. The apostle Paul wrote in a letter to the church in Rome, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me” (Romans 15:30). Paul asked them to pray that he would “be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea” and that the “Lord’s people” would receive him and his gifts “favorably” (v. 31). He acknowledged the rewards of being a part of their community (v. 32). He stood with them in prayer, too, ending his letter with a blessing: “The God of peace be with you all” (v. 33).
As we live for Jesus, we’ll face adversaries in the physical and spiritual realms. God promises to be with us and fight on our behalf, however, as we stand together . . . always ready to pray.
How has God used intercessory prayer to strengthen you? How does He keep you ready to pray?
Mighty God, please make me steadfast in prayer as I thrive in community with You and others.
Discover the life-changing power of prayer.
When Paul asked believers in Jesus to “join” him in earnest prayer (Romans 15:30), the Greek word used conveys the idea of straining or striving together. Like athletes struggling to reach the finish line, he wanted the Roman believers to wrestle faithfully with God in prayer for the challenges he’d soon be facing. Paul’s concerns about the likelihood of facing fierce opposition in Judea (v. 31; Acts 20:22-25) were well founded. In Acts 21-27, we read of what the apostle experienced there. He was seized by a mob and arrested (21:27-36), religious leaders conspired to murder him (23:12-15), and he spent two years in prison before finally being sent to Rome (24:27; 26:32–27:1).
This likely wasn’t what Paul was hoping for when he asked for prayers to “be kept safe” (Romans 15:31), but he was able to trust in “God’s will” (v. 32) and powerful presence. As believers in Jesus, we can also trust in the one who’s with us and who will fight for us.
