A Word for the Discontented Intercessor
Beloved co-laborers on the wall and in the gap,
The message I want to share I meant to originally convey by video, but with school deadlines upon me the time passed. Please forgive me for the delay, as I realized while meditating that many of you need this encouragement. Praise God for those of you who hewed out your answer on the way. Note: This entry is my communication to you, and not intended to be preachy in tone.
Discontentment for the intercessor is a heart issue, not a fatigue or faith issue. The word means to be dissatisfied or to be restless for improvement (www.merriwm-webster.com). When this condition lingers, the heart takes a hit. What’s in your heart, intercessor?
- Your call, including dreams, visions and prophetic words
- Your family (which may also be your call)
- Your pastor and his/her family, and his/her vision
- Your local church and its mission
- Your city, region or state and associated civil, social, and political burdens
- Your nation
- (smile) All or any combination of the above
It seems a bit more reasonable then (I hope you see this) that focus, hearing, and discerning the Father’s instruction or intention may prove tedious. These things take a hit when you are discontent.
Let’s take a look at the scripture, Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)
11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 English Standard Version (ESV, emphasis added)
#1: WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING WILL TRAIN YOUR SPEECH (v. 11). Apostle Paul said that he did not speak because he was in need. You too, intercessor, must learn to speak from outside of your need. Your learning — that is, whatever situation the Lord ordains — will teach you to train your speech to speak from contentment learned by faith.
#2: WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING WILL SERVE YOU IN EVERY KIND OF SITUATION (v. 11). Whoever or whatever the target of (or inspiration for) your discontent, the situation you face now is not isolated. It is not random. What the Lord wants to teach you will be a multipurpose lesson.
#3: KNOWLEDGE EQUALS MASTERY (v. 12). Apostle Paul said he knew how to be brought low and how to abound. The suggestion is that with repeated experience, Paul’s ordained lesson was consistent contentment. Mastery comes from the practice of principle. Practice indicates repetitive action. What is your ordained lesson?
#4: LEARN TO BE BROUGHT LOW (v. 12). Conserve the energy you used to bind, loose and rebuke. If discontentment is the container for your learning, then master it here. Press into it here, so that your exit companions are wisdom, understanding, and greater faith.
#5: LEARN TO ABOUND (v. 12). What is abundance for the intercessor? No pain in the body. No mental anguish. No emotional instability. Answered prayer. A full night’s sleep. No destructive dreams. Blessing all around. Do not covet abundance; learn to receive and release it with a free hand.
#6: RECOGNIZE THERE’S A SECRET TO FACING CHALLENGE, & LEARN IT! (v. 12) Dear intercessor, do not look too long at the challenge. Instead, look into it for the overcoming secret. Abandon current knowledge for mastery of the secret, and then it will work for you in any and every circumstance.
#7: PLENTY, HUNGER, ABUNDANCE, NEED (v. 12). Consider these from your place in intercession. What is plenty? Answered prayer, accurate and fulfilled prophecy, knowing you are filled with His Spirit and feel His presence. What is hunger? Drought — He seems far and away, the more you pursue. You search your heart, your life, your connections… and feel like you keep lacking and coming up short. Abundance? See #5. Need? You seek interpretation, understanding, proper protection and covering, friends, sleep, money, etc.
#8: DON’T JUST DO; CALL ON THE GRACE TO DO (v. 13). Intercessor, even when discontent in heart you have an advantage in your relationship with the Father. Move your focus from “I can go through (do) all things” to “I command the strength of my learning.”
Remember Beloved Intercessor, His work is finished. You, even discontented, are thoroughly furnished for every good work in Him. You are, with all that you feel now, the righteousness of God in Christ.
Selah, and love to all… with a big hug for you, Intercessor!
2 Comments on “A Word for the Discontented Intercessor”
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The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 
Praise God, I thank God for you and for this encouraging post.
Precisely what I needed to hear this morning. Amen.
That’s wonderful! Isn’t the Lord kind to us?!