Good morning, Willowdale Family. We thank God for the beginning of a new year, 2025. Recently, Albert and I had the delightful opportunity to visit family in Atlanta, Georgia, and we truly enjoyed our time together. However, upon our return to Buffalo Airport, we encountered an unexpected challenge when our car refused to start. We found ourselves frustrated by the cold weather after coming from a warmer climate. As we searched the parking lot for assistance, we decided to pray. We felt our prayers were answered when a young man approached to help us, but unfortunately, we still couldn’t get the car started.
As we continued to pray, we began to feel more assured that God would provide for us. Soon, another gentleman arrived to assist, but the car still wouldn’t start. I promptly contacted a prayer group, asking them to pray for our situation. Shortly thereafter, one of the shuttle bus drivers contacted the airport mechanics for help. A gentleman arrived with a heavy-duty car booster, and it proved effective. We spent over an hour working on it, but when the engine finally started, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Thank you, Jesus!” I want to encourage each of you to be persistent in prayer. Trust God to come through for you even when you don’t receive an immediate answer. Sometimes, the answer may be yes or no, and sometimes, it may simply require waiting.
Throughout the years, I have received numerous calls from individuals facing various difficulties and challenges. Many of them feel they have no one to turn to for support. In their desperation, they often seek prayer as they feel devastated, confused, heartbroken, hopeless, and uncertain about how to navigate their situations. They must have someone to stand in the gap and pray alongside them during these times. Our challenging circumstances may call for the support of a friend who can intercede on our behalf. A faithful intercessor will persist in prayer for others, often without their knowledge, much like the man in the parable who approached his neighbor’s home for bread without his friend’s awareness.
True friends will continually pray for your circumstances to improve, even when others have moved on. Such a friend will be there to pray for you during life’s trials, even in the middle of the night. They may even rally the entire Church to intercede on your behalf until you see results. This friend, who persistently intercedes, is the one who refuses to stop knocking, asking, and seeking until they receive an answer. Consider how Jesus prayed for us in the garden of Gethsemane. The answer will inevitably come when you pray with that level of passion.
Similarly, those dedicated to prayer must cultivate a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of our help. To connect with this source, we must approach prayer as a priority rather than a last resort, recognizing Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. He intercedes for us according to His abundant riches in glory. To receive answered prayers, it is essential to maintain a consistent relationship with Him.
One writer noted, “God wants us to understand that the value of a profound relationship with Christ far exceeds what we seek from Him.” When we remain steadfast in prayer and demonstrate our readiness to advocate for others, the following blessings and rewards exceed our understanding. Let us stay committed to that place of intercession, and God will surely come through for us. God wants us to come to Him any time, any place, without hesitation. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Albert and I indeed received grace and mercy during our time of need. God bless you during this year, 2025, and beyond.
Pastor Evadne Henry
Excerpts from: Eleanor Miller: “Persistent Prayer Works” EMiller Publishing. Kindle Edition.