Waiting for the Answer

The final thing we want to learn from the book of Daniel is that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego prayed and let God answer in the way he saw fit.

The power of prayer and courageous prayer is found in trusting that God will answer in the way he chooses, it is his will not ours we want. Sometimes we can pray with a specific answer in mind, but prayer is not about getting what we want, it is about submitting our requests to God and allowing God to choose the best answer for our lives.

How amazing is the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were about to be thrown into the fire:

King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
- Daniel 3:16-18

Courageous prayer is seen in the waiting, waiting for the promise of God’s answer, waiting that God knows best, God’s timing is best, and allowing him to choose is courageous prayer!

We pray and submit our requests to God; God answers according to his perfect will.

Ephesians puts it this way, Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesians 6:13).

Basically saying, having done everything you can, just stand! Stand in the promises of God, stand in his goodness, wisdom, and love for you, stand knowing that you having done everything you can, you have prayed and now it’s God's turn.

That is what amen means: “so be it.” It is a short sentence that shouts loudly, "God I have cried out to you, given you my options of what I think is a good answer, but ultimately let your will be done!” It is the life that trusts in God more than our own will.

Prayer for today

Lord, help me to pray just as Jesus did in the garden, not my will but yours be done. As I pray, let your will be done in every situation. Let me be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, to not trust in the answer but to trust in the God who answers.