June 7, 2019 – A volcano in the far eastern end of Russia that was thought to be extinct may now have awakened — and its eruption could be as severe as the one that destroyed the ancient Roman settlement of Pompeii, according to scientists. – https://globalnews.ca/news/5367331/volcano-awakens-eruption-pompeii/
Volcano’s are intriguing for many reasons, primarily because scientists are so often wrong about them. When Mount St. Helens erupted, it killed one of the scientists that was thought to be a safe distance away. Just a few days ago a volcano thought to be extinct has begun showing signs of an impending eruption.
The reason volcanos are so difficult to predict is that all the work taking place is usually so far underground it’s nearly impossible for us to know what’s happening. Only as the earth’s massive energy begins to reach the surface do we become aware that a volcanic explosion is likely. Even then, we aren’t sure when or if, or to what extent, the volcano will erupt.
There are similarities between volcanic activity and prayer. After we pray, there is often a time when we see nothing happening; this means things are pregnant with change. What is real is first manifested in the Spirit, and then they play out in what we can see, sometimes accompanied by thunder! (1 Samuel 7:10, John 12:29)
The following are two passages in Luke when Peter, James, and John became sleepy while Jesus prayed. Let that sink in. The Son of God was visible to them. They could watch and hear Jesus pray, yet their flesh overcame them, they become sleepy and didn’t fully engage in praying with Jesus.
Luke 9:32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
Luke 45,46, When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Please understand, I know I wouldn’t have done a better job than these three fellows. I’m sleepy even as I write this. My point is simple. The most significant power God has afforded us is to ask of Him and hear from Him. The appearance, often, is that nothing is happening, it may seem tedious, and we get sleepy. But, God is mighty, and He answers the petitions of His saints.
Once we’ve prayed, we should be as expectant parents-to-be. Every little thing should be considered. That pain, was it a contraction? Does it look like the baby’s dropped? That’s the kind of hope we should have once we’ve “prayed through.” Those are exciting times that change lives for God does answer our prayers.
Photo by Yosh Ginsu on Unsplash