I am always amazed at people’s prayers. Too often they pray as though there was no connection between them and God. I recall the old story of the minister that called the people of a farming community to come to the church for a prayer meeting. Their purpose was to pray for God to send rain to end the long term drought they were experiencing. The preacher went to the platform and announced he was canceling the prayer meeting. When asked why, he explained that the congregation was not serious about praying for rain. After all no one had brought an umbrella.
In many ways that lack of trust in God is still going on. God says through Nahum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Yet, often people pray for an answer to paying a debt, or strength through an illness or joy in a relationship and then continue on as though nothing has or will happen. Why pray if you don’t believe in prayer, or worse, if you don’t believe in the one you are praying to?
I believe in God, better still, I believe He gets personally involved in our lives. I don’t always get the answer I asked for. However, I always get an answer. Sometimes yes, other times no, and often wait. That’s ok. I learned some time ago an important lesson, not only is God smarter than me, He loves me with a perfect love.
When someone loves you with a perfect love they don’t do everything you ask. They do everything that is in their power to help you grow, be comforted, and be more than you ever dreamed possible. God loves His children that much. That’s why the best description of how much He loves us is still found in John 3:16, “God so loved…”
Plan on God answering your prayers. Move forward knowing His best is the best. Remember that you don’t have reason to be in despair when your Father is the God who cares.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” II Corinthians 4:8,9
Copyright 2007 © Charles Lyons
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