Finding Bread at Midnight
What do we do when we feel absolutely at a loss to deal with a relationship that is in stress?
These words gave me in inspiration and strength to go forward in my journey.
#265 Finding Bread at Midnight Luke 11.9
A man seeks out a friend at midnight. He knocks on the door to get his friend’s attention. “Friend, lend me three loaves,” he calls out, “for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.” Luke 11:5-6
The friend is in bed and so are all his children. He does not want to be bothered by a middle of the night interruption. But finally the persistence of the one who knocks on the door, the one who knocks and knocks and knocks, bears fruit. The friend rouses himself and provides the requested bread.
This parable-illustration is in the context of Jesus teaching his disciples to pray. (Luke 11:1) The lesson is: Persistence in Prayer bears fruit. “And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Luke 11:9
“A friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.” This is a statement from a person who realizes that they do not have the resources necessary to deal with another person’s need. These verses spoke to me in a very specific way. I had no resources to deal with my various relationships that have been very strained. I had no idea what to say or do that would bridge the reaction-gap. These verses led me to think NEW about an old pattern.
Think of the person we have no resources to deal with, as one that has been on a journey. It is part of hospitality to feed a person that has been on a journey. So we ask the LORD for bread, for something that will nourish and strengthen our friend.
What nourishes the spirit of one who has traveled long and far in the experiences of life?
A listening ear to hear the stories of the journey.
A word of encouragement to spur the one who journeys forward.
A welcoming environment where a traveler can feel at home.
Principles and guidance from the Word of God that give assurance and direction on the journey.
When I think of the challenging relationships in my life in this view, and when I ask the LORD for this bread with persistence and with boldness even when I am faced with the feeling of hopelessness, hope is born again in my heart. Hebrews 4:14-16 A new view of the one I react to also dawns in my heart.
BEING this welcoming friend, persistent for the guidance and inspiration of God, gives me access to the bread that I was lacking.
These words gave me in inspiration and strength to go forward in my journey.
#265 Finding Bread at Midnight Luke 11.9
A man seeks out a friend at midnight. He knocks on the door to get his friend’s attention. “Friend, lend me three loaves,” he calls out, “for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.” Luke 11:5-6
The friend is in bed and so are all his children. He does not want to be bothered by a middle of the night interruption. But finally the persistence of the one who knocks on the door, the one who knocks and knocks and knocks, bears fruit. The friend rouses himself and provides the requested bread.
This parable-illustration is in the context of Jesus teaching his disciples to pray. (Luke 11:1) The lesson is: Persistence in Prayer bears fruit. “And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Luke 11:9
“A friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.” This is a statement from a person who realizes that they do not have the resources necessary to deal with another person’s need. These verses spoke to me in a very specific way. I had no resources to deal with my various relationships that have been very strained. I had no idea what to say or do that would bridge the reaction-gap. These verses led me to think NEW about an old pattern.
Think of the person we have no resources to deal with, as one that has been on a journey. It is part of hospitality to feed a person that has been on a journey. So we ask the LORD for bread, for something that will nourish and strengthen our friend.
What nourishes the spirit of one who has traveled long and far in the experiences of life?
A listening ear to hear the stories of the journey.
A word of encouragement to spur the one who journeys forward.
A welcoming environment where a traveler can feel at home.
Principles and guidance from the Word of God that give assurance and direction on the journey.
When I think of the challenging relationships in my life in this view, and when I ask the LORD for this bread with persistence and with boldness even when I am faced with the feeling of hopelessness, hope is born again in my heart. Hebrews 4:14-16 A new view of the one I react to also dawns in my heart.
BEING this welcoming friend, persistent for the guidance and inspiration of God, gives me access to the bread that I was lacking.
