We’ve seen lives changed by God through prayer. Yet I feel this was written to me: “Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:24),”
What God would do if only we’d ask?
Don’t jump to conclusions about what’s coming next when God answers a prayer. Wait humbly, patiently and prayerfully as your future unfolds.
The situation seemed impossible, so we prayed, fervently, every day last week.
God heard. He answered.
When we told our youngest daughter (who is now 20!) she said, “Why don’t we always pray that way?”
Why don’t we?
Peter was in prison, fastened with two chains, between two soldiers. An angel came. His chains fell off. Peter and the angel passed two guard posts. When they came to the iron gate, it opened all by itself (see Acts 12:6-17).
God did this.
But his friends did their part: While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. . . many were gathered for prayer (Acts 12:5,12).
We’ve been praying about moving to the city for years. In 2012 I wrote this prayer: “Please sell our house as soon as we offer if for sale.” Our country house is now for sale.
We continue to pray, knowing that God determines the times set for men and the exact places where they should live (Acts 17:26).
I’ll let you know how God answers.
We prayed, fervently, that she would pass the test, so she could begin a new career.
She failed. Twice.
Sometimes God blocks our path in answer to our prayers.
They headed north . . . but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there (Acts 16:7).
God is holy, different and standing apart from us. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient, utterly pure and just, utterly faithful to his own purposes and promises.*
Trust Him to answer your prayers.
*Adapted from J.I. Packer, Taking God Seriously, p. 26.
“Don’t complain about the way God answers your prayers. We live on an earth that is run by the devil. God has promised us a new land, and we will get there.”*
*adapted from Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz, p. 92.
A Blog on Prayer 