You're Welcome
Maui is a demigod from the Disney movie "Moana". Moana,the hero of the story, goes to find Maui in
order to get him to right a wrong. Maui sees Moana as way he can escape exile. During their first
meeting Maui believes that Moana is awestruck by his greatness. He believes she is there to thank and praise him for all the wonderful things he has done for the seafaring people. Maui is wrong. Moana did not come to thank Maui. She came to insist on his help.
Paul in Philippians chapter 4 verses 4 through 7 writes:
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be
known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of
God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus."
Many times, we stand before our God and ask for his help. I dare to say that sometimes we demand his help. We are anxious and concerned and we cry out to God for deliverance. There are examples of prophets crying out to God in the Old Testament. Reading their words, we see that as they cry out to God, they begin to recount all the times God delivered his people. The prophets speak to God and they remember all the magnificent deeds he has accomplished. The cries of want turn into hymns of praise and thanksgiving. They look forward with confidence trusting that God will deliver his people.
In the Disney movie, Moana is justified in her skepticism toward Maui. Still she believes she needs his help. We come before God with questions and challenges. God patiently listens to our concerns and questions. He answers our prayers. We are foolish children. God's ways are beyond our understanding. God's message is always:
"Trust me. I have this situation well in hand.
I will deliver you. I am strong to save."
He demonstrates this truth on the cross. God sent his Son to die for our sins. Jesus rose from the
dead. We are victorious in Christ.
Paul says we should present our requests with thanksgiving. We learn from the Old Testament prophets that no matter how bad things are, God is with us. He will deliver us. He richly and daily provides for us. Therefore, we thank, praise, serve, and obey him. Come to God with thanksgiving in your heart. Give God a reason to say. You're Welcome.