Seeing His Answer

Seeing His Answer

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Romans 4:20-24

You’ve hoped and you’ve prayed. You’ve given and forgiven. You feel as if you’ve done everything God has asked of you, yet the disease still ravages your body unabated. In that dark moment, ask yourself a different question: What if God’s answer to my prayer is not the same as what I’m asking for?

If God answers your prayers differently from how you want him to, does that mean prayer doesn’t work? Do you give up on him?

God is the potter, and we are the clay. God molded us into being and breathed life into us. Without him, we would not be here to ask these questions.

Does the clay tell the potter that he isn’t doing it right?

At first, Abraham doubted God’s promise that he would become the father of nations. In fact, he doubted he would become the father of even one. God eventually answered Abraham’s prayer, but it wasn’t how or when Abraham expected.

How would history be different if Abraham had stayed true to God’s promises and hadn’t had a son with Hagar? The conflict between the descendants of Abraham’s two sons continues to this day.

Do we also risk future problems when we twist God’s promises to fit our own desires? I know at times I’ve prayed for healing for my patients because that’s what I wanted. Later, I discovered that their cancer had spread. Did God not answer my prayers?

Sometimes God’s miraculous healing is to bring the patient’s soul back to life, even as the body withers away. Is that not an answer to prayer?

Pray for God’s will and not your own. Whatever answer comes, believe that it is God’s complete and perfect will.^a

TODAY’S RX

God is faithful to answer our prayers, and his plan is perfect. Sometimes we have to adjust our expectations.

Help me to remain faithful to you, Lord, when my prayers seem unanswered. Do not let me fall away. I know all the days of my life are in your hand, and I take comfort in that.