WONDERFUL PRAYER
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
It’s Christmas time which is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year! We know it’s wonderful because it’s the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
In this season, I’ve been recently thinking on the words “wonder” and “wonderful.” Wonder has two possible definitions. As a noun, it’s a feeling of surprise mingle with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, or inexplicable. Wonderful is inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration – extremely good. As a verb, it’s is a desire to be curious to know something.
I often wonder about our fallen world. I wonder about the condition of our divided nation and why bad things happen to good people.
Why do children get cancer? Why did Luis get stage IV lung cancer? Why did my 92-year-old mother fall and is now confused wondering why she’s in rehab and not at home with Jesus? I wonder why any of us have to endure the trails and tribulations of life – broken relationships, financial stresses, health issues, death of loved ones – the list goes on.
But as Christians, we know the answer to why so much heartache happens. It’s sin.
I hope for you in this holiday season that you will be stirred to a deeper wonder of how God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you and deal with that sin. It’s so wonderful!
Here are a few version to encourage you toward deeper wonder of our wonderful Savior:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139: 13-14).
“You are wonderful, Lord, and you deserve all praise, because you are much greater than anyone can understand. Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds. I will keep thinking about your marvelous glory and mighty miracles” (Psalm 145:3-5).
“O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to the list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them” (Psalm 40:5).
“What a wildly wonderful world, God. You made it all with wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations” (Psalm 104:24).
Celebrating Jesus’ birth makes this time of year so wonderful!
The Christmas story is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. When we are familiar with things, we tend to not celebrate them as we once did. Complacency sets in and robs us of our wonder. We may no longer be gripped by the stunningly magnificent events and truths of the birth of Jesus. The busyness of the season with holiday shopping, cards needing to be mailed, gift wrapping, baking, and parties can captures the wonder of our hearts and control the way we live.
That’s why it's vital to draw toward the wonder of the coming of our great Lord and Savior, Jesus. He is our redeemer, restoring all people back to Himself. How wonderful to have that truth and hope! How wonderful it is to share that hope with others in our broken and hurting world. How wonderful it is to pray knowing our Lord is hearing us and will answer us.
Thank you for faithfully praying for the mighty work of the Palau team who proclaim the wonders of Christ! Have a wonderful Christmas season as we ponder what Christ did for us and how the Palau ministry is getting His Word out to all!
Merry Christmas and Happy “Holy” Days!
In the Wonderful Name of Jesus,
Gail Stockamp
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).
PRAYER REPORTS
Please enjoy opening the regional updates below and keep them in your prayers:
Africa | Exciting events and locations for 2020 | Report
Asia | Praise Andrew and the teams trip to Beijing and Harbin | Report
North America | NGA launch in Canada, Florida festival in March | Report
Europe | Prepared Hearts in Berlin; 20 NGA Events in Romania and Moldova | Report
Latin America | Instituto Biblico continues to be a powerful ministry tool | Report
Caribbean | Updates for Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, Bahamas and Puerto Rico | Report
SAVE THE DATE
Please save the date for our next one-hour national quarterly conference prayer call on January 28, 2020. 1 p.m. Pacific, 2 p.m. Mountain, 3 p.m. Central, and 4 p.m. Eastern time.