I often blog about
praising God during trials and storms. Sometimes
the best way to gain spiritual wisdom and empathy is through a “no” or “wait” answer
to prayer. But does practicing long-suffering produce complacency and low
expectations for positive answers? It can, if we don’t guard against such habits from seeping
into our spiritual lives.
In my post, Confident Prayer, I
wrote about the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty in our lives.
Failure to do so can lead to low expectations because we want our
answers to prayer—not His.
Despite belief in God, if we
don’t fully embrace His sovereignty, we yield a fraction of what He desires while
banking on receiving the totality of our requests.
What starts out as an
effort to exercise faith becomes portion control over what we surrender when
anxiety sets in regarding the unknown. We don't completely trust Him to get it right!
Maybe we’re really saying: Does
God care about my day-to-day existence? Does He care about my needs and
desires?
God does care. He wants full
surrender. He wants us to approach Him with faith rooted in boldness.
“Let us then approach the throne of
grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us
in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
What is your greatest need
today? I want to encourage you to go to the Throne of Grace with an unabridged heart,
yield control, and lay down your anxiety about the answer. Exercise faith
through confidence that He will respond.
“Faith
does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in
that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends.” George Mueller
As we go to the Lord in prayer,
let us remember to lift up past requests regarding health, employment, family,
and mental health issues.
My request this week is for Emily, a 12-year-old girl battling bone
cancer. She’s having a tough time with treatment. Also remember to lift up Karen Redding who is at home with
hospice care. Pray for healing, comfort, and wisdom for her and her family.
Please leave your requests in the
comments section so others can pray for you, or email me confidential requests.
My contact info is listed in the “Talk to Me” section above.
Now as we approach the Throne of
Grace boldly together, take a moment to worship with Mercy Me’s song, “Bring
the Rain.”
Laura
laura i never think that God is not going to answer but i sometimes worry what that answer might be - so it is good to be reminded that we need to go to Him in prayer with confidence that whatever His answer it will be the best thing for us.
ReplyDeleteprayer requests:
we have a very important unspoken prayer request
tony employment
karen redding continue to pray for her
thanks and God bless!
I'm continuing to pray for your requests. Thanks for sharing them again so others can pray. God bless you.
DeleteThank you for continuing to pray for those in need- it is a great ministry you have here.
ReplyDeleteGod hears us, even when we don't hear Him.
I'm glad you're blessed by the prayer posts. You're right. God always hears us.
DeleteQuote: “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends.” George Mueller
ReplyDeleteRight now, I am holding onto God in the midst of an impossible situation - impossible for man that is. This post is very timely! Thank you
You're welcome, Wendy. I will pray that God resolves your situation. Continue to hold onto His strength. God bless you.
DeleteYour post made me think of times when I wanted a certain answer to a certain prayer. In the end, I was so thankful, that on so many occasions His answer was NOT what I wanted. Other times I didn't understand why the answer was NO. That is where faith and constant communication with Him was so important. Thank you for this post. I hope it is Okay if I "Pin it".
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jennifer. God can see the big picture and we have to trust Him. That's easier said than done, though! Yes, go ahead and pin it. I appreciate it! God bless you.
DeletePraying with you, and for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I've been praying for you, as well.
Delete