This was a testing week for me, from unpleasant weather causing floods throughout the state, to personal issues which made for a few sleepless nights.
Since there really isn’t much I can do about the record breaking rain over the east coast, I resorted to praying for those who would be affected by the extraordinary flow of rain. Still days later, local rivers and lakes are threatening hundreds of thousands of lives as the rain continues. I started to wonder as many often do, are my prayers going unanswered?
As I was asking myself that question, I remembered a passage from Matthew’s gospel. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)?
Then I sought peace in God’s word. The Bible is our Lord’s answer to the meaning of life and truly a timeless piece. It is true today as it was when it was written and will continue to provide direction to those who believe in God. And so, as the world around me seemed to be caving-in, I drowned myself in my King James Bible hoping I would find a break in the clouds. And I did.
As I was reading verses from John’s book, I received an e-mail from a friend in the Philippines who strangely enough, quoted the same verse I had been questioning. John 14:14 reading “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it“. I was praying for the rain to stop, she longs for better days for herself and for her two young boys.
Days later, the rain continues and, my friend remains in sorrow. Is our Lord not listening to our pleas? How can he not keep his word, his promise spelled out by his disciples?
Trying to make sense of it all, I ignored an obvious fact. The answers to our prayers come when He is ready, after all He’s the one we pray to and knows best. Timing being everything, I know God did listen and that sooner or later, the rain would stop. His light always shines bright in Heaven where better days stretch for eternity.
When it seems like God is ignoring your prayers I would ask myself if you are seeking to know God as your savior or are you just giving Him orders while looking at your problems? Are your prayers prayed in today, for today, every day or are you worrying about the future ignoring scripture that commands us to not worry?
More importantly, are you right before God or do your sins go unconfessed while you continue living in your sinfulness? Do you really know Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Pray the Lord’s prayer in earnest. Seek to know God as your one and only holy Father. Pray today, for today, everyday. Confess your sins; turn to Jesus Christ for strength and wisdom. If you can commit your life to such prayer, I will guarantee that God will begin to hear and to satisfy your prayers; and you will know true joy and happiness.
I heard one preacher say, “If, after 90 days of fervent prayer your life isn’t changed for the better, I will double your misery back.”
Do not let yourself be distracted from the meaning of prayer which is meant to bring you closer to God. Always remember prayer is for the righteous, not the wicked.
“The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29)
We need to believe that when dark clouds gather above us there is a bright light we can always rely on. Try pickup a Bible and praying to Him asking in His name. In time, God will answer you. And as you pray, take the time to feel the warmth of the Sun brushing against your soul; Let’s do it now together!
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for all that surrounds us, for your love.
We ask that you will inspire us to Pray in your name
And give us patience to wait for Answers.
Lord we thank you for your Word the Bible
And for sending your son Jesus to live and die for us
So that we learn from him guiding our lives after his.
God we pray you will give us strength in difficult times
And bless us with your light on cloud covered days.
Please Lord forgive our sins as only you can
And lay before us your path for our lives
So that we may follow in your footsteps and not stray with Evil.
Thank you all mighty God for all that you make possible
Today and forever!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
