1 John 5:14-15
We are certain that God will
hear our prayers when we ask for what pleases him. And if we know that
God listens when we pray, we are sure that our prayers have already been
answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Can
you hear me now?” We’re all familiar with this question and its
pop-culture reference. But who among us has not asked some form of this
question of God? Surely you have wondered at least once in your life
whether He really heard you or not when you asked Him for something.
What
about that time you needed help with your studies...your job...your
bills...your health...your children...your relationships? What did you
ask of Him? Did you ask Him to give you XYZ...did you give God a list
of demands? Or did you come to God with a humble, trusting spirit and
ask Him to do what He felt was best?
Do we say to God, “LORD, I need you to do this!” Or do we ask, “LORD, will you give me what you know that I need?” The first question reflects our will...the second reflects His...and there IS a difference!
One of the hardest things for Christians to master is the confidence to ask God for His
will, rather than their own. It’s one thing to come to God and say,
“I’m struggling with my bills...what should I do?” It’s quite another
to say, “Lord, please pay my bills!” We can beseech God to “please heal
me of this cancer”...but only if we add...”in YOUR way and in Your
timing.” We must fully understand that God’s healing may not come in
this earthly lifetime...and His answers may not be what we want to hear!
Many
of us receive frequent prayer requests from others...and of course, we
agree to pray. But rather than telling someone, “Yes, I will pray that
you get pregnant, and you and your husband finally have the family you
want,” or “Yes, I will pray that you are selected for that prestigious
recognition you seek,” or “Yes, I will pray that you win the
game/election/prize”...I tell them, “Yes, I will pray for you.” And I
do...but I pray for God’s will in these situations...and for that
person’s acceptance of His answers.
Here’s the thing...God wants
us to solicit His time, attention and care...but He wants us to accept
His methods and timetable. He hears us...He really does. But
sometimes, what we ask for and what He knows to be best for us are
entirely different things. Rather than give us what we want and deal
with the potential perils and fallout, God occasionally appears to be
silent. Take this as a sign. Carefully study your path and your
motives, and make sure they are in line with God’s. I assure you that He
is working on your behalf...but maybe not in the way you expected.
Will you trust Him to do what He has said...to meet your needs...show
you the right direction to take...to heal you completely?
You
know that God hears and answers prayers that please Him. What are you
asking of Him today? Do you need to change your attitude toward your
petitions - and God’s answers? Do you have the right mindset to ask,
“LORD...can you hear me now?”
©2014 Debbie Robus
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