The most profound thoughts on the Christian life are often the simplest.
Consider this statement from Oswald Chambers: “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
I believe Tennessee Baptists understand that. That is why prayer was identified as a key convention initiative and remains foundational if we are to “multiply gospel leaders who advance God’s kingdom” so that every Tennessean has an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.
Momentum in prayer is building across our state. More than 40 recently gathered at the Holston Baptist Association to pray. Churches across the state are requesting help from the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board to help build a culture of prayer. May God raise up many more like them.
But to get there, we need to be honest with ourselves. I believe most Tennessee Baptist Convention churches are not overwhelmed but underchallenged. We have settled into a pattern of acting in our own strength and within our available resources. It may also mean we need to do less in order to pray more. Not every good activity is essential, and some church calendars may need to be cleared to make room for what matters most.
What if we prayed bold prayers —prayers where failure is certain unless our Heavenly Father intervenes? Prayers that reflect the kind of faith described in Ephesians 3:20, where we confidently declare, “I am absolutely sure that our God can do exceedingly, abundantly above anything we can ask, think, hope, or imagine.”
I am talking about audacious requests — requests like the one Mike Young Sr. made of the president of the United States when he was 6 years old. Mike is a pastor, former director of missions, and currently serves on the TBC Historical Committee. I will let him tell his story:
“My dad served in the Air Force in the 1950s. After moving our family to Chattanooga to live with my maternal grandparents, he went to his new assignment in Iceland. As Christmas 1959 approached, I missed my dad and wanted him to be home. I mentioned this to my grandmother who was a great fan of President (Dwight D.) Eisenhower. She encouraged me to write the president and request he send my dad home or to let me go visit him.
“I was in first grade at the time, and she helped me write the letter on my first-grade tablet. My grandmother showed my letter to my mother who dismissed the idea of mailing it, but my grandmother convinced her to send it.
“On December 9, 1959, Special Order Number 43 issued by the White House arrived on the base commander’s desk authorizing my dad for an immediate 30-day leave. Dad knew nothing about my letter and was certainly wondering why the base commander wanted to see him that day. My family and I were very much surprised when Dad showed up at our door. I enjoyed that Christmas and it made me feel very special. I learned that in secular life as well as in Christianity we have not because we ask not. I learned to ask the Lord for exactly what I needed and have seen him answer such prayers in equally amazing ways as in the presidential leave request for my dad.”
The faith of a child.
What if, like a 6-year-old Mike, we entered the great throne room of our great God, climbed into His lap, and — without reservation, and with confident faith—asked Him to give us Tennessee for Jesus? Or to raise up pastors to fill our 400 vacant pulpits? Or to move in the hearts of Tennessee Baptists to give generously in support of missions in our state and around the world at levels exceedingly, abundantly beyond what any of us could imagine?
What if?
Tennessee Baptists, you have already embraced a God-sized vision: “Until every Tennessean hears the gospel.” We currently do not have the human or financial resources to accomplish that vision. However, I can say with confidence that if God gave you that vision — and I believe He did — then He will accomplish it through you.
Where God guides, God provides.
The impossible becomes possible with God, but it begins with prayer. Prayer is the greater work.
It is a joy to walk with you on this journey. B&R