“Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” – John 2:7-11.
There is something about 2020 that seems more frustrating than other years. A terrible pandemic, another hurricane, division in our country probably provide the foundation for that frustration. It makes you wonder how to make sense of it all. And better still how do we get through the challenges we are facing. Faith and trust in God are certainly important, but a critical component in dealing with tough times is prayer.
There is power in prayer. Even in simple prayers. There is an example in the Bible in John chapter 2. Jesus and His mother were attending a wedding in Cana. The wedding was not special and if Jesus had not been there, it would have been lost in time. Sometime during the wedding celebration, the end ran out. That was a big no no and was embarrassing to those putting on the wedding.
Mary, the mother of Jesus walks over to Jesus and says, “…They have no more wine.” (John 2:3) Notice that Mary didn’t tell her Son what to do, she wasn’t critical of others or assign blame: she just stated the problem. Jesus’ reply is found in verse 4: “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But in verse 5 Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
It would seem that Jesus had little interest in saving the wedding banquet. It wasn’t the time nor the place He had planned to reveal His power. But then His mother entered the picture with a genuine need. Jesus told the servants to fill the waterpots with water, and that water became wine the entire party enjoyed. Problem presented. Prayer answered. Crisis avoided. All because Mary entrusted the problem to Jesus.
In 2020, it seems there is not enough time in the day to take all your concerns and problems to the Lord. But that is exactly what should happen. After all, the writer of Philippians reminds us in our key verse, “Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.”” (Philippians 4:6-7 TPT)
When life throws you a curve, let Mary be your model. She took her problem to Jesus and she left it there. She stated her problem simply, presented it faithfully and trusted Him humbly.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you feel awkward or uncomfortable in prayer? If so why?
- What problems or challenges do you need to take to Jesus this week?