Claim Your Crown By Tarah-Lynn Saint-ElienSýnishorn

DAY 7

The Gift of Answered Prayer

Psalm 37:4; Ephesians 3:20; Jeremiah 29:11

God isn’t a genie, no. But He does want to grant us the desires of our hearts. He does want to bless His children. If our wants align with His will, it’s more likely they will happen, but it’s always in God’s time and in His way. 

Have you ever wanted something so bad? You hoped for it and maybe even dreamed about it, only to not receive it? Since we were kids, we’ve been told we won’t get everything we want and “money doesn’t grow on trees,” but that doesn’t change that you’re left feeling crushed, discouraged, and even angry at God. You subconsciously check off yet another way God didn’t come through for you. 

Sometimes we go into prayer with a predetermined answer. We have our own agenda, knowing that when we say “amen,” we already know what answer we will stick to. God told us no. He sent it through a friend or an email. But because we went into prayer with the “go ahead,” we exit with “go ahead.”

If you’re like me, your problem is that you know God can do “exceedingly abundantly above” all that you could ever ask for or think, but you find yourself questioning if He would really do so for you. I recall so many moments when I trusted that God has plans for a future and a hope for me, but often I found myself backing away from high expectations. In my mind, it made sense since I had no idea where or when I would be living in that future and hope He promised me.

Pursue God for His “presence,” not His “presents.” Seek God for who He is, not for what He can do for you. When you’re in constant communication with Him, you’ll experience relationship that soothes your soul. You’ll experience walking in His will. You’ll see how wishes don’t always come true, but prayers often do. 

Are there any prayers you’re waiting for God to answer? I encourage you to write them down. Ask Him if each one aligns with His will, and pray to accept whatever His final answer may be.