Pondering the Prepositions: On and For

by David Chadwick

This week, for some of you, probably feels like a flashback to elementary English lessons. My hope is to use practical teachings to motivate you in the spiritual practices. Some of the prepositions in the English language are both powerful descriptors of God’s presence and great prompts for how to pray.

Today’s prepositions to ponder: “on” and “for.”

What comes to your mind when you hear these two words? For me, I immediately think about the glorious truth from Psalm 118:6 that God is ON our side. And then in Romans 8:31 which says, “If God is FOR us, who can be against us?”

Think about that for a moment. If you have placed your trust in Jesus, you are on team Jesus and a part of the kingdom of light. This team that you are now on is fighting against team Satan and the kingdom of darkness. If you were to really pause and consider this call to a spiritual battle, how would your days look differently? Would you be more alert? Would you forgive quicker? Would you repent more often? Trust with greater depth?

The Holy God of the universe is actually on your side! He is FOR you in every situation you face. Your closest friend is also a warrior King named Jesus who will fight for you at every turn. These truths should bring radical transformation and endless hope to our lives.

Like many truths in Scripture, this is another mind-boggling truth to grasp and comprehend. Let me say it again. Jesus is on your side. He is for you. He is giving you the strength for whatever you may face.

As these truths permeate our hearts, our prayer lives should increase. Our prayers should be victorious. We should expect to win the battles we face.

We should pray for anything and everything knowing that God is ON our side and FOR us.