Oftentimes people tell me that God did not answer their prayers. I believe that God answers every prayer—sometimes He answers them in ways that are different from what we expect.
Prayer is not trying to bend God’s will to our will, but rather bending our will to His will. He knows what is best. He is our Heavenly Father. He answers our prayers in order that Romans 8: 28 might be a reality. That verse says, “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Faith means we trust God as He answers our prayers!
This was beautifully demonstrated to me this week when I received an e-mail from a young friend who has a tumor on his brain. He has been receiving treatment in Birmingham. The doctors aren’t sure exactly what it is, but they do know that it shouldn’t be there.
He will undergo some further extensive testing. He has requested that people pray. What is interesting is his faith that is instructive about his understanding of prayer. I wanted to share it with you.
He writes, “I sincerely mean this when I say that the foremost prayer that I would ask each of you to join me in is that God would be honored and glorified in how I respond to whatever the diagnosis/prognosis is. If it’s a miracle, then praise the Lord. If I have to have surgery, then praise the Lord. If according to His will, He should take me home now rather than 50 years from now, then praise the Lord. I know that I am in His hands, and I know that NOTHING shall separate me from His love.”
“My other prayer request is that our Heavenly Father would strengthen my family. As I have told you before, my parents—both of whom love the Lord deeply—have lost 2 sons, so this is a tough time for them. Please pray that God would give them, as well as my sisters, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews a real peace and joy about this situation. God has blessed us immensely as a family, and may we take time to rejoice in that blessing.”
Prayer is important. Praying and trusting God as our Heavenly Father to do what He knows to be best for us and for His plan, is a really effective prayer.
Ask God to help us make this a day of praying with faith.
