Friday Fight 250: But First, Run to God

Every Friday morning, during my time with the Lord, He brings to light the quiet battles many of us face - not the ones we fight publicly, but the ones we carry internally. Today is Friday Fight 250.

How often do people in our community ask for guidance, and we proudly tell them exactly what they NEED to do? Community is everything, and we rely on them when times are tough, but who should we be calling on first and foremost? We are not God and can’t possibly know the exact right move for every situation. Our Father in Heaven invites us to call upon Him first. Regardless of our role, Scripture shows that calling on His Name isn’t just a script—it’s a declaration of who He is and all He is able to do. Let’s look at this from a deeper perspective.

But First, Run to God:

I have a growing family of adult children whom I love deeply. Over the years, my role in their lives has changed, yet our relationships have continued to strengthen. Some may call or text with exciting news, when they’re sick, need advice, or just to chat. My role as their mom includes provision, encouragement, celebrating blessings, and mourning losses. When they need prayer, they do not hesitate to reach out because they trust my heart toward them.

God invites us into prayer in the same way. When we focus on who He is, Father, Provider, Healer, Creator, we are no longer trapped in our circumstances. We are lifted into trust. Prayer stops being about convincing God to act and becomes about resting in the knowledge of his character. Prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue, built on relationship, and not formality.

John 14:13 says, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through His names so His people would know how to call on Him in every situation. When confronted with a need, Jehovah-Jireh is the Lord who provides. Speak this Name in prayers for provision and direction. When we need physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, call on Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. When anxiety, fear, or conflict arises, pray in the name of Jehovah-Shalom, our Lord of peace. When feeling alone or unseen, lift your prayers to El Roi, the God who sees you. Finally, call on Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our Banner, for strength, courage, and victory over any spiritual battle.

Obviously, calling on the attributes or nature of God is not required for Him to answer our prayers. He is faithful, gracious, and attentive even when our words are simple, scattered, or limited. But praying His names reminds us of who He is and all that He is capable of. When our faith feels small, His names anchor us to truth: He is able! He is aware!

Too often, we pray from desperation. God calls us to pray from faith and identity, knowing whose we are and whose authority we stand in. When we call on the Name of the Lord, we are stepping under His banner, trusting His power, and standing firm in any situation. It is a posture, something we will learn more about in future posts.

This week, go to God in the name above all names in prayer. Ask Jehovah-Jireh to meet your needs, Jehovah-Rapha to stand in your weakness, and El Roi when you feel alone. Which Name of God do you need to call on in your current battle? Let’s remember to first run to the One who holds power over every situation.

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In His Grace,

Pastor Shannon

River Church

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