Driving on Zoji La in India. The camera isn’t tilted -the road is!
One of the most dangerous roads in the world is Zoji La in Northern India. It’s a single lane, curvy, unpaved pass through the Himalayan Mountains prone to landslides and deadly accidents. Several years ago, our 4GENetwork team traveled this road. It was both thrilling and terrifying. This was not a fast drive but rather slow and careful. Without expert drivers and our friends who knew the pass well, we never would have made it, let alone attempted it.
Now imagine if this road was a straight paved 4-lane highway. Driving would be faster, right? Commercial truck drivers could potentially make several trips a week instead of just one. Drivers wouldn't need to be experts to make the journey but just know the destination and how to drive a car.
It occurred to me this week that prayer is like paving the road. Read what Paul says in 1 Timothy 2: 1-6.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
Paul tells us to pray for all people, including our leaders, and to thank God for them. This is somehow connected to living a life where we have peace - with others and within ourselves. God invites all people to know Him. Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for each person – not just the ones we like. It pleases God when we pray for people. It has the power to change them, and it changes us.
According to Paul, prayer is the first thing and the most important. It paves the way for the Gospel. What if, by being a praying Church, we became a more peace-full Church? Later in verse 8, Paul challenges "pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing." Can you imagine the difference that would make in our country? In our world? Could it be that more people might say "yes!" to God's invitation to know Him?
We have plenty to argue about these days. I know the issues are important. It's right to consider them and address them. But, if our arguing gets in the way of the world seeing Jesus, what good is it? That's the hazardous pass. Prayer brings peace, straightens the road (Proverbs 3:5-6), and paves the way for the good news of Jesus.
By the way, as I write this I feel convicted to be praying more. It’s hard for me to respond with peace but I can respond in prayer. So, would you do this with me? Right now, write down the names of leaders, friends, and even enemies you can pray for. Intercede for them and tell God you're thankful for them. At the very least, it'll please Him, and that would make for a pretty good day.