Daily Power #69

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

A pastor once asked his church to pray that God would shut down a strip club in their neighborhood. The whole church gathered for an evening prayer meeting, pleading with God to rid their community of the evils of this place. The next week, lightning struck the club and it burned to the ground.

Hearing about the church’s prayer crusade, the club owner promptly sued the church. When the court date arrived, the owner argued that it was the church members’ prayers that caused him to lose his valuable business. The pastor dismissed these accusations by admitting that no one actually believed their prayers would do any good.

“Let me get this straight,” the judge said. “I’ve got a strip club owner who believes in the power of prayer and a pastor who doesn’t.”

Sometimes we struggle to grow in our faith, not because we’re not praying but because we’re not believing. Prayer should be like talking to a close friend with whom you can share your heart. Even when God doesn’t seem to be answering your prayers the way you want, it doesn’t mean he isn’t listening.

God’s responsibility is the outcome. Our responsibility is faithful obedience. Trust him today to answer your prayers.

Power Lift

Thank you for hearing my prayers, Lord, and providing for all my needs. Give me patience when I have to wait on your perfect timing.