The Reward Of Obedience

In our society where some people choose not to have children, it is hard to understand the pain of parents in Bible times who were childless. Those who did not have children were looked down upon, and many people viewed having no children as a sign of God’s judgment or condemnation for some heinous sin in the lives of a married couple. Despite the pain that must have filled their hearts, the Bible tells us that Zacharias and Elisabeth still faithfully served God. They did not insist on getting what they wanted as a condition of their obedience.

There are many people today promoting a “vending machine” view of God—that He is somehow obligated to dispense whatever we ask for when we pray. Though God is gracious and does answer many prayers, we do not deserve and should not demand that He act as we think. The kind of prayer patterned for us by Jesus and taught to us in Scripture is prayer that is in submission to God’s will.

There are few things in life sweeter than seeing God answer a long-time prayer. While I rejoice in immediate answers, there is something very special about seeing God work, perhaps in a way we did not expect, to answer a petition we have presented before Him many times. When the answer is delayed, it does not mean we should stop praying or stop following God, but that the time has not yet come. As we continue to pray, even when the answer is delayed, we will see God accomplish His purpose in His timing in our lives.

Today’s Discipleship Principle: When we do what God says regardless of circumstances, He always rewards us for our obedience.