There has been an abundance amount of talk about prayer lately. . Most of what has been said I agree with but I feel a vital important part has been overlooked or ignored.
Just because a prayer is not answered the way one wishes doesn’t mean a prayer has not been answered. We need to always pray God’s Will- not our own. The best example of this is from Jesus in Matthew 26:39…
..Going a little farther, He fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (NIV)
Jesus fell to the ground and cried to God. Jesus cried and plead to His Father, If there was any other way for God’s will to be done then take this pain away. God said, “No” to Jesus - but He still answered Jesus’ prayer.
God sometimes says, “no” and sometimes He says, “wait.” This in no way means God hasn’t answered their prayers. I believe those who have been told, “no” by God or “to wait” by God and have managed to keep their faith actually have a different perspective of God that perhaps is not known among those haven’t been there.
Maybe that is what meant in
James 1:2; Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (NIV) and in
James 1:12; Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (NIV)
I don’t even pretend to have prayer all figured out. But I do know those who have had God say, “no” or “wait” can be discouraged when prayer is discussed and this important vita l side of prayer is left out. Many times those who have had such an answer are weary and tired and need encouragement. Many times the ‘evils’ of doubt can set in as impatience surfaces. Or the “why God” begins to echo in their heads. Hope could be absent. Prayer and encouragement is needed.
Matthew 17:20; He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
I don’t think anyone who has been discussing the subject of prayer meant discouragement upon anyone but please consider this side of prayer.
I rejoice with those who have had their “yes” or the answer they had hoped for in His name. I praise His name! I rejoice in their happiness. Never would I want to take away this wonderful joy and hopefulness.
Isaiah 40:31… but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. NIV
Good thoughts, Lynn. I would also add that sometimes when God says "No" or "wait," there are often greater or richer blessings in store for that person. Think of the song "I thank God for unanswered prayers." Sometimes, in a while, we think "I'm SO glad I didn't get what I asked for." We just have to trust that God truly does know what we need before we know it. He DOES desire our good -- we just sometimes have to go thru some things on the way to our good. Thanks for you thoughts. Love you guys, Jo
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right Jo! Thank God, Jesus is are best example of this and he wanted to do God's will. We would have been a big mess without Jesus going through his horrific pain. Love to you and your family Jo. Thanks so much for your input.
ReplyDeleteGarner and I were discussing this Monday evening. There were times when Paul prayed and his answer was My grace is sufficient. God is good all of the time. Does pray only work when the answer is what we are looking for? God is good when prayers are answered, and the answer is no. Once Paul said that he even despaired of life. Did Paul have faith? ABSOLUTELY. AS Western Christians, I think that we have trouble submitting to the sovereignty of God. God will do what He will do.
ReplyDeleteDaniel's friends Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego had this figured out thousands of years ago. When they appeared before the king (may he live forever lol), their reply to his threat about impending death echoes through the ages: God is able to deliver us from your hand, BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT, we will still not bow and worship you.
We are told to pray. We are told to cast all of our cares on Him because he cares for us. We are told to pray without ceasing. We are told to pray in all circumstances.
AND let us hold fast to our faith through it all.
Grace and peace,
DEB EZELL
P.S. This is the first time I have responded to a blog. WOW.