Read
2 Corinthians 12:8-9,
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.'" Romans 12:2,
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Think
"Mom, can I have ice cream for breakfast?" "No" "Why?" "Because I said so!"
"Dad, can I stay out past curfew?"
"No"
"Why?"
"You'll understand when you get older." Do any of these conversations seem familiar? Have you ever had a similar conversation with your Heavenly Father? You've asked for something and He doesn't give it to you. You lift up a need and you're left wondering if He hears you at all. It is natural to ask, "Why" when we don't have answers. The question is: What will you do while you wait for the answer? God answers our prayers in many ways. Paul was a man of prayer who worked tirelessly to spread the gospel. He asked God to remove an affliction that tormented him. God said, "No, My grace is sufficient." Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still in order to defeat a massive army and God said, "Yes." Joseph asked for God to deliver him from prison and God answered, "Wait." God hears our prayers, but when we have to wait for the answer, it's an opportunity to learn to trust Him with the outcome. Like any loving parent, God wants to give us our heart's desires. Yet, we can't expect it to happen overnight. He uses our frustration and pain for purposes we may not understand, but He always has our best in mind. Therefore, we can anticipate that He may respond in a totally unexpected way, far better than we ever imagined. So, be patient, trust God, and believe that all things are possible through Christ.
Act
Remember, answers delayed aren't necessarily answers denied! Be sure to journal your prayers. It's amazing to look back and be encouraged by previously answered prayers. The best is yet to come!
Pray
Dear Lord, I trust that You always have my best interest in mind. In my impatience, remind me that Your grace is sufficient. Guide my steps and guard my heart as I seek to align with Your will, no matter the outcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.