God and Me: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

God and My Prayers

One day a small boy tried to budge a heavy stone but couldn't move it. His father, watching, finally said, "Are you using all your strength?" "Yes!" the boy cried. "No, you're not," his father answered. "You haven't asked me to help."

The Bible teaches a critically important life truth, one that many people don't grasp. Here it is: God has resources to give his children, but he intentionally withholds them.

Q: Why?
A: Because he is waiting for his children to ask for his help!

God is interested in your physical and material success. But he is far more concerned with the development of a faith relationship with you. He considers the Need/Prayer/Answer/Thanksgiving rhythm crucial to the faith-building process and uses it again and again.

Here is the pattern: "I sought the LORD and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:4,5). Do you get the premise of the promise? My Father cares about me. My Father listens to me. My Father chooses the time to respond. My Father helps me. It's all good. I am glad I trusted him.