Charles Spurgeon, the great Victorian preacher, once published a book with the wonderful title: “The Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith : being precious promises arranged for daily use”. In the preface, he explained the imagery he was using:
A promise from God may very instructively be compared to a cheque payable to order. It is given to the believer with the view of bestowing upon him some good thing. It is not meant that he should read it over comfortably, and then have done with it. No, he is to treat the promise as a reality, as a man treats a cheque…. He must believingly present the promise to the Lord, as a man presents a cheque at the counter of the Bank. He must plead it by prayer, expecting to have it fulfilled. If he has come to heaven’s bank at the right date, he will receive the promised amount at once. If the date should happen to be further on, he must patiently wait till its arrival; but meanwhile he may count the promise as money, for the Bank is sure to pay when the due time arrives.
This is a very helpful way to look at prayer. It is a response to promises God has already given, not twisting God’s arm to gain a blessing. It is asking for help from one who has already promised to give it.
As you face sitting at home over the coming weeks, perhaps you might pray with this verse in mind:
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Spend some time dwelling on what God promises. You are not alone - God is with you. He urges you not to be dismayed, as he himself is your God. He will give you the strength you need, and promises you help. He will keep you going by the power of his mighty right hand.
And when you feel week, or anxious, go to God and cash in some of these cheques. Draw down the promises he has given you. Badger the gates of heaven, and when the time comes you will receive the help he promises.
