My grandmother has the exact same birthday as Reverend Billy Graham: November 7, 1918. Although they led very different lives, they’d always been linked in my mind. Their life goal has been one and the same: to spend all their days in servitude of our Lord Jesus Christ.
TRUE SUCCESS
The world defines success in terms of fame, fortune, and power. I consider Reverend Graham and my grandmother to have been successful people, but not according to the world’s interpretation. Instead of building up treasures here on earth, their focus has been on their heavenly pursuit where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves cannot break in to steal their treasure. They achieved their life’s goal of serving the Lord Jesus.
Their success lies in the lives they have benefitted. Reverend Graham impacted countless lives to the glory of God our Father by playing an instrumental role in the spiritual wellness of this nation and the world at large. Conversely, my grandmother’s ministry remained within the borders of her neighborhood. She diligently attended to her family and fostered 64 babies as well as several older children by using her position and gifts to serve God to the best of her ability. This, my friends, is true success.
So, what’s the secret to their success?
PRAYER
Both Reverend Graham and my grandmother have been prayer warriors. Over the years, they have made a point to bathe their life circumstances in prayer. Many times throughout the Bible, Scripture adjures us to pray without ceasing. Does this mean we spend all day on our knees? Of course not! So often we only remember to pray when we face challenges, but Reverend Graham said, “True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency.”
When we pray, we don’t need to stand on pretense or use fancy words. God looks at our hearts. He knows us intimately. He hears us. We can’t hide from Him, and He doesn’t want us to.
• I John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
• II Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
• Psalm 145:18, “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
• Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
• James 5:16, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
During the Korean War in 1952, Reverend Graham said, “What a thrilling, glorious thing it would be to see the leaders of our country today kneeling before Almighty God in prayer. What a thrill would sweep this country. What renewed hope and courage would grip the Americans at this hour of peril.” His statement put into motion a bill declaring that each president must declare a National Day of Prayer and encourage Americans “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”
While National Day of Prayer has its roots in our country’s origins, since 1988, it has been observed on the first Thursday in May. This year’s theme is “Pray for America – Unity,” based on Ephesians 4:3, which says, “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Let’s join with our nation’s leaders and fellow countrymen in prayer and thanksgiving not just on Thursday, May 3, but throughout every day as we seek to be God-glorifying prayer warriors.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” I Timothy 2:1-2
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff