Praying For God's Will
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 7:00AM MAD21 By Pat
I was talking to a friend of mine a few days ago, and he told me about an old friend of his who had recently fallen on hard times and serious health issues. It was to the point that his friend was not expected to pull through, but miraculously, he did and is now recovering. Many people had been praying for this man, and yet my friend told me that when his friend's health crisis took a turn for the better, he was shocked.
I admit I have often felt that my prayers have fallen on deaf ears. I have some serious issues that I am presently facing, and am praying for various friends and family and their problems as well. So often it seems to be in vain-but could it be because I pray for my will to be done rather than God's? I allow myself to forget that just because a prayer seems to go unanswered doesn't make it so. God is Sovereign...He is all-knowing, perfect. And if we give our cares to Him and ask that they be answered HIS way, be will never be disappointed. The only expectation we should have when we go to God in prayer is the expectation that our prayer will be heard and answered. Maybe not today, and maybe not the way we want, but it WILL be answered, God's way. Failing to approach prayer in this way minimizes our trust in God.
I also forget that this world, this life, is temporary. Jesus died for us to give us the great gift of eternity with Him. I know that although I may not understand why some prayers seem to be unheard, someday I will be privileged to know the answers to the many questions I have asked God. Paul said, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall fully know, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12). We can't possibly understand the mind of God, and therefore should approach Him trusting that our prayers will be answered in the best way possible. HIS way. If we do this, we will always be able to give God glory and not be astounded, surprised or bitterly disappointed. We need to let go and remember to keep the faith, and cling to the reminder that someday all will be made clear, and it will all have been worth it. Living for God today means living with God forever!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)
Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.
Devotions, Faith, God's Will in Devotions
Reader Comments (1)
Pat, our faith is often so weak, and yet, I think it's healthy for us to admit that to God, asking for mercy and asking Him to increase our faith....Sometimes I think we are quick to doubt because we don't like feeling "foolish" if we make some statement that doesn't turn out the way we had hoped......I prefer to take the attitude that the men had, who when about to be thrown into the furnace said they KNEW God could save them from death, but, EVEN IF HE DOESN'T, they were going to continue to trust God......aren't we expected to be "fools for God", being willing to be laughed at, much like Noah was??? Those that really trust God will never be disappointed...