I have had the privilege of being friends with Stephen Altrogge for many years. Besides helping me wade through the waters of my freelance writing business (a lot happens when you don't update your blog in three years, eh?), he has made me laugh, encouraged me, and taught me how to love well and be a loyal friend.
I am regularly encouraged and challenged by his and his father's written ministry. While we disagree on a few theological issues (over which we poke fun at each other regularly, even though he knows I'm right), I never fail to be pointed to Christ or strengthened in my walk with Him by Stephen and Mark's insightful, battle-tested, Spirit-led posts.
This one is no exception. As we partner with our sovereign God in fulfilling His program and furthering His Kingdom before His imminent return, we will face desperate spiritual need and lack in many areas. Prayer is God's means of connecting His provision with our need for our blessing and for the fulfillment of His purposes. But does prayer work? What do we do with unanswered prayer? How do we follow the Lord in conflicting desires, seeing through a glass darkly, wrestling to know the application of His will in all things?
Stephen would not put forth his post as the definitive answer to these questions. But it is a thoughtful, biblical, and comforting examination of truth that will renew your mind and put steel in your spirit.
Let's go to the throne -- together!
