Wash a person’s feet until you know why they walk like they do.
Spend time in someone else’s sandals.
When we are moved there is power in our prayers because it is with Jesus’ heart that we pray and understand.
The strength of prayer comes from the position we are praying from if it comes from burning hearts.
It comes from the fire of being constantly close to Jesus so that in a second the flame is fanned into a flame.
It comes from taking time to get alone with Jesus not just in times of worries and problems. Absolutely turn to Him in crisis but equally turn to Him in victory and the mundane and for others.
Refuse to get offended by others.
No one can compete with the offence that Jesus could have felt at His betrayal yet He never bewailed or moaned or condemned. Even to His last breath it was ‘Father forgive them they know not’
There is the incident when the woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter and He offensively refers to her as a dog but she refusing to be offended He acknowledges her faith.
“It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.”
Jesus is moved again by visible evidence of faith.
Such as when the centurion came to Him to heal his son and then said with complete faith “
Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” And Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
Jesus was moved by the faithfulness of Mary Magdalene watching and weeping by His Tomb and of John The Baptist’s life mission to prophesy His coming. He stopped and drew aside and had time for them.
Faith and devotion move Jesus to act.
How many times have we got offended, lost sight of our faith in the outcome of our prayer or been too busy, prideful or self preoccupied to look and walk in another’s shoes and humbly know why they have been like they have.
Chosen a position of resentment, self pity and offence, retaliation instead of that of servant and love.
Jesus gave His life for us.
He took time to walk in our shoes.
Let’s pray that we might do likewise for others.
The illustration shows Jesus’ sandalled feet walking the path we walk to know us and to show us how to love, serve and pray for others.
Two scriptures that come to mind:
“pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 ESV
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? ”Matthew 5:44, 46 ESV
The song My Prayer. Bright Cityhttps://youtu.be/uCtZcD02H90
Lessisgreater 