Strong in Prayer, Strong in Purpose: The Why and Where

God’s Promise:
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV) – “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

A Family Soldier’s Prayer Life: Why and Where?

I remember watching The Ten Commandments as a kid—so young I was barely knee-high to a grasshopper, maybe 6 or 7. Charlton Heston was unforgettable, but the line that stuck with me came from Yul Brynner: “So it is said, so it is written, so it shall be done.” I must have repeated that phrase a thousand times growing up, believing it to be absolute. Turns out, I had the words wrong. The real quote? “So it is written, so it shall be done.” But when it comes to God and the Bible, I like my version better.

As men, we are called to stand strong, to shepherd our families, to steward our resources, and to serve with humility. But why do we do what we do? Where are we going? Those two questions—Why am I here? and Where am I going?—are what I ask myself before taking on any responsibility, whether it’s coaching, mentoring, or leading my family. Without knowing our purpose (the why) and our direction (the where), we’re just wandering.

Imagine telling your family, “We’re going on vacation!” but giving them no details. No destination, no reason, just Get ready! How can they prepare? Are they packing for the beach or the mountains? A safari or a city tour? The why and where determine everything else—the how, the when, and the what. The same is true for prayer. When we pray, we’re not just talking—we’re listening. And that listening needs to be obedient listening.

Prayer is a conversation, not a monologue. It’s not just about telling God what we need; it’s about receiving His direction. Without listening, we’re like soldiers ignoring their commander’s orders. And when we ignore God, we’re left naked and exposed—unarmed, unprotected, and unfit to lead. Where are you?

Why Prayer Must Include Listening

1. God Speaks When We Seek Him
   “Call to me, and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)
   • When we pray, we should expect an answer. But do we take the time to hear it?
2. Stillness Allows Us to Hear
   “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
   • The world is loud, and distractions pull us in every direction. God’s voice is heard best in quiet surrender.
3. Jesus Modeled Listening Prayer
   “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:16, ESV)
   • If Jesus needed quiet time to hear the Father, how much more do we?
4. Obedience Follows Listening
   “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21, ESV)
   • If we don’t listen, we can’t obey. If we can’t obey, we can’t lead.

From Fear to Faith: Answering When God Calls

Genesis 3 tells us that Adam and Eve, after sinning, hid when they heard God walking in the garden. “The Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:9, ESV). That same question echoes today. Sin makes us afraid, ashamed, and silent before God. Instead of running to Him, we hide. But God already knows where we are. The real question is, Are we willing to step out and answer?

We often panic when we’ve messed up. But our response shouldn’t be fear—it should be repentance. “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13, ESV). We’re called to lead, but we can’t lead if we’re running from God.

Back in the ’90s, a mentor once told me, “Act as if you are already the man you want to be.” Our part in prayer is simple: pray and listen. If listening is obedience, then obedience is leadership. Lead as if you already are the faithful shepherd God has called you to be.

Today’s Value: Faithful Listening

A servant leader listens first, speaks second, and obeys always.

Reflection Questions

1. When God calls, do you answer, or do you hide like Adam? What fears hold you back?
2. How can you create space in your daily routine to not just pray but also listen to God’s voice?
3. What areas of your life require more obedience? How can listening to God help you lead better?

Bible References:

• Genesis 3:9
• Isaiah 55:11
• Jeremiah 33:3
• Psalm 46:10
• Luke 5:16
• Isaiah 30:21
• Luke 18:13
• Revelation 21:5

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