The other day, I heard someone say how as a society, we idolize a God-centered relationship over a relationship with God himself. At first, I wasn't sure if this was one of those quotes of like, "I saw this trending on social media and it sounded true", but then I thought some more about it. As Christians, we say want to have God-centered friendships, relationships, marriages, etc. And while those are obviously critical and healthy and good for believers, what is unhealthy is relying on those as our only sort of spiritual sustenance.
For example, I am involved in a Small Group at our home church, and these ladies have become those I can rely on to go to war for me in prayer and petition, the occasional playdate, mom's night out, all the good things. Our group chat is where we are constantly reaching out for prayer from each other throughout the week. Texts come in left and right of, "Can you pray for me over/for this". I know God so delights in seeing his daughters press into and rely on one another and the power of prayer. But then, I thought to myself,
How often do I ask others for prayer when I haven't been praying over this myself?
This was a rude awakening to a reality I believe is common, that sometimes I want the result, but don't always want to to do my part. I don't want to stay persistent in prayer, or fast in prayer. I don't want to remove distractions like social media so that I can more clearly listen for His voice in response. I don't always want to do my part, but I hope that the prayers of others will be enough. It's almost like the enemy is using this beautiful dynamic of relationship that God created us to be in with one another and has turned it into a weapon to sneak us into isolation from Him. If we idolize these relationships and become more dependent on them than we are on the Lord, not only do we lose the opportunity for intimacy with Him, but the plan and purpose He has intended for our life.
Let me put it this way. If I have something that I really want, even if it's a seemingly good thing, if it is not aligned with God's will, not only will I likely not receive a yes to my prayer, but also, I am not listening for what He really wants to give me instead. So, if I go to my close friends and ask them to be praying over this for me, with expectancy that the answer will be yes because I have some serious prayer power behind me, what will that do to my heart if and when the answer is no? The truth is, it doesn't matter how many Godly people I have praying for something, if I have not sought the Lord and listened for whether it is His will or not, do I even want what I am praying for?
Keep in steadfast prayer. Keep in relationship with your sisters because there IS power in it. But please sis, not at the risk of hearing less of your Him. We have to remember that yes, He created us for these relationships with others, but because He designed us for relationship with himself first.
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