Stand With GodSample

Stand with God by Praying His Will

For Christians, prayer is not just beneficial, it is essential. And even though we know that truth, if we want to be honest, sometimes it is difficult to pray.

Each one of us combats our own personal obstacles to prayer, whether it is a lack of discipline, a lack of desire, a lack of persistence, or a misunderstanding of the purpose of prayer itself. Another obstacle common to many of us at various moments throughout our lives is the perceived lack of effectiveness of our prayers. If we have walked with the Lord for any length of time, we know that God doesn’t always respond to our prayers the way we hoped.

But does that mean He didn’t hear us? (Read 1 John 5:14)

The verse of scripture we read today assures us that God hears. And if He hears, He will answer in one of three ways, always according to His will for us in that particular situation. Let’s look at our clip to illustrate one way God responds.

In our film, Amy receives amazing news. Defying all odds, she is informed that she is cancer-free. This report is an immediate, dramatic, miraculous answer to prayer. In fact, it is so amazing, it is difficult for Amy to wrap her mind around it. Could this be happening to her? Could she actually be the recipient of God’s great goodness? I understand her reaction, don’t you? Wouldn’t we also feel unworthy under the circumstances? After all, it wasn’t that long ago that she didn’t even believe there was a God.

Amy just experienced an immediate answer to prayer. This is what we all hope for (and often expect) when we pray, and certainly one of the ways that God responds. However, God’s immediate “yes” is not the only way.

God also says wait…

God also says no…

These last two ways are difficult for us to see as answers to prayer, especially when we know our prayers are for good. But God sees the end from the beginning, knows us better than we know ourselves, and desires for our faith to deepen and our trust in Him to grow. In other words, even if we are asked to wait, or even if the answer is no, there will be something beautiful planted within us that will bring Him glory as we submit to His will for our lives.

Jesus profoundly illustrated this truth for us in the Garden of Gethsemane as He was preparing for His capture and crucifixion; let’s conclude today’s devotion with His powerful petition: ‘He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, I pray for those of us who are completing this devotion today and facing struggles, disappointments and heartbreak through the circumstances of life. May we remember that You love us and You hear us. Use these difficulties to bring us to greater faith, hope and trust so that You are glorified through all we say and do. Also, Father, we rejoice with those who have received immediate, miraculous answers to their prayers. May their testimonies draw others to a greater faith, a greater hope and a greater love.

In Jesus name, amen.