God listens to all prayers. But does not always respond. He does not owe us a response. If God answered all prayers there would be no more funerals.
The important thing here is not whether He responds to our prayers but the spirit in which we pray. Do we pray expectantly in full knowledge that He cares and loves us? Not an arrogant or "entitled" expectation, but a hopeful loving one as that of a child to a good parent. Or do we pray half-heartedly for something to do, something to tick off our list, just like buying a lottery ticket on the off-chance it will win?
When Jesus walked on the water (Matthew 14:22-33) Peter took a chance at trust and said, "Lord if it is you tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus told him to come.
Peter got out of the boat and discovered he could walk on the water. Can you imagine that? A mere human able to walk on water. He must have been "wowed" out of his mind.
But then at the slightest gust of wind he lost focus and began to sink. His trust in Jesus had suddenly disappeared.
Just like us perhaps when unexpected events suddenly disturb our lives.
Recently something happened to me. Of course, I was worried, concerned at how it would affect me and my family, wondering about the future.
As I calmed down a little and remembered to pray, (prayer is often a second or third option isn't it?), a thought came to my mind: This is another opportunity to trust God.
Whatever difficulty I was facing at the time became an opportunity to trust God.
Is that perhaps the way we should meet and encounter any obstacle in life? Not with fear and dread, but as an opportunity to trust God. Trust Him totally - in full expectation.
It is no point having faith in a Master who walks on water if we do not trust Him enough to follow Him.
I'm in a situation right now where I'm presented with that opportunity to trust God for my health and well-being, Victor, so your reflection truly touched me deeply. May God bless you always!
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you right now, Martha; and invite our readers to do the same.
DeleteGod bless you always.
Amen, Victor.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy when things are going great, to say we trust God but when things go south, that's when it's more of a challenge. Our tendency is to fret and worry. We can be concerned but we shouldn't be consumed by the worry which is a lack of trusting God. The good news is when we fail, and realize we are worrying instead of trusting God, it's not held against us. Like Peter who denied Christ, sometimes we have to experience our shortcomings to recognize it and repent.I detest the way worrying physically and emotionally makes me feel. Trusting Him is so much better!
So very well said, Debby. The tendency is, from my experience, that we worry first. It seems that worry is ingrained in our minds; part of our DNA. As you say, God does not hold this against us and forgives us time and again.
DeleteGod bless you.
Victor, you have a knack for posting exactly what I need to read.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you. Kathy.
DeleteGod bless.
Spurgeon used to say, when we cannot see His hand, we must trust His heart. Each day, I ask for strength for the day and to trust He will send exactly what I need.
ReplyDeleteAmen Mimi. Well said.
DeleteGod bless.
When I consider "blind trust" it's not (that) I believe my fears will be answered in the way I want.
ReplyDeleteIt may ... but if not, I believe that He will give me something better.
It's an honor to pray for you, dear friend.
Thank you for your much needed prayers, Mevely. So grateful.
DeleteWhen life's events suddenly change, it is in our human nature to worry ... sometimes panic ... instead of turning to God in the first instance and trust ... truly trust.
God bless you always, Mevely.
An honest and thoughtful reflection on trust during difficult times. The story of Peter walking on the water is a powerful illustration.
ReplyDeleteThank you friend.
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