When You Can’t Do Anything Else

Jesus tells us to pray in times of trouble. He “told His disciples a parable…that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). Praying instead of giving up means looking to God in times of trouble. This kind of praying keeps us from caving in.

I once read a story about a young boy who was saved from drowning by his brother and carried home uncon­scious by his group of friends. The grateful father wanted to know exactly who had done what so he could properly thank each child. So he said to John…

“Well, John, what did you do?”

He replied, “Oh, I jumped into the water and pulled him out!”

“And James and Thomas, what did you do?” questioned the dad.

“Oh, we carried Danny home!”

“And Mary, what did you do?” came the next inquiry.

And poor little Mary, who was only three years old, burst into tears and said, “Daddy, I couldn’t do anything at all, so I just prayed and prayed!”

Then her father gently said, “Mary, you deserve the most praise of all, for you did all you could, and God answered your prayers through John and James and Thomas.”

My friend, in times of trouble…when you can’t do anything at all…just pray and pray! Turn to God in prayer during the tough times, when you don’t know where else to go or what else to do.

Read When You Can’t Do Anything Else on Elizabeth & Jim George.


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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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