Do we become doubtful, bitter, and ready to give up when our prayers appear to go unanswered? Yes. Sometimes we do . . .
We want answers to conform to our wishful thinking and demanding moment. We don’t get what we designed and ordered, so God must not be there.
I’ve asked for many things that came in different forms because obviously the Father had something better up His sovereign sleeve.
It’s then we need to yield to the holy and wise.
I’ve seen miracles when people were raised up from lifeless postures, and have heard yes, no, wait, but never I can’t . . . It may not be a matter of waiting, but a matter of God’s timing.
I had a great dad, a flawed father, who loved me and provided well. If I was hungry he wouldn’t eat before me and serve me a bone. Good fathers don’t give bad gifts to their children.
Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:9) that a father will not give his hungry child a stone for bread, or a snake instead of fish. He won’t.
We can’t chew a stone and a venomous answer that brings harm is not in the Father’s nature. He gives generously to His believing children.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him. Matthew 7:11
How often have we asked our Father in heaven for a custom made miracle and instead received something different or opposite? We call it a stone too hard to swallow or a hissing fish.
We need to recognize it for what it is. Good, best, and perfect.
I praise Him for not answering some of the amazing requests I’ve made. I was asking for the pretty picture. He was looking at the big picture.
The heavenly surpasses the earthly that rusts and fades.
Do your prayers match your belief?
Remember, we receive little because we ask little. We need to make our prayers God-sized and pray high to the Most High.
We are only one prayer away from a miracle . . . so let’s ask, seek, and knock believing our Father is on the way to the door.
Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7,8
Verna
Vonda Skelton says
Powerful message, Verna! Thank you for sharing it. I’m praying very specifically on a certain situation. I’ll just have to remember that if it doesn’t turn out like I hope, I can still know it will turn out for His ultimate glory.
verna says
It will, sweet Vonda . . .I’ll be agreeing for something huge from our huge Father . . .
supergalblog says
You’re so right, Verna. I need this reminder over and over!
verna says
me, too . . .
Glenda Mills says
Verna, like Vonda I’m praying very specifically for a certain situation and relinguishing it back to the One who makes all things work for good in His way and His Time. Thanks for sharing these wonderful promises.
verna says
I know, Glenda. . . and I’m believing with you . . .
Diana Leagh Matthews says
Verna, thank you for sharing such a powerful message. Like our other sisters I’m praying for a certain situation and waiting for God’s timing.
verna says
I’m joining you to believe for our Father to pour out a merciful answer in just the right time . . . and it always is . . . thanks for your comment, Lee!
Janeen Ippolito says
Thank you for sharing Verna. Like many others here, my husband and I are also much focused in prayer on a certain issue. God truly grants you the right words to type.
verna says
Yes, we’re all kneeling low for those answers . . . I understand, Janeen . . thank you for the encouraging comments. Miss you!
Liz Cowen Furman says
Verna,
Great truth eloquently written.
I too am thankful that some of my heartfelt but uninformed prayers have been answered with, I have a better idea. And He always has the very best idea.
Life is easier when I sincerely rest in that truth.
Good one!
verna says
Oh Liz – are you ever right . . . the tricky mix of believing and surrendering at the same time, but our Father always has the better plan.
laura says
Amen-thanks for this reminder! Praising God, because as He says in Isaiah, “His ways and His thoughts are not ours-they are much higher.” So thankful!
vernabowman says
. . . and we can look back on our lives and be thankful that “Father knows best” . . .