Day Twenty-One: Unanswered Prayers

Country singer, Garth Brooks twangfully mourned that his earnest plea to make a beautiful girl his own went ignored by God. Later in life, as he appreciated the gift of his wife, he understood the bigger plan that was accomplished to protect him from second best and how everything worked out just as it should. He ended by thanking the Lord for unanswered prayers. If only we could see all of our seemingly disregarded requests from tomorrow's rooftop. But since we don't get to know the future, we must trust that God has our best interests in mind. That all those desires don't go without a reply, but sometimes a "not yet" or even a "no" for our own good. 

It's important to look at some reasons the Bible gives for God being silent at certain times in our lives. Because we can't calculate the reason perfectly for every instance, we need to whittle down the possibilities so we can be sure we're living according to God's Word. First and foremost, God is Lord and we've been given finite minds that cannot fully comprehend His breadth. However, we can do our best to align ourselves with His will. How do we know His will? By reading His Word. It's impossible to be reading daily and not come across Scriptures that demonstrate what God yearns for of us and what he abhors. 

The Bible clearly states, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3) Do you have poor intentions? Can you be honest with yourself?Another reason for unanswered prayer is the verse in Psalm 66:18 that challenges us to play a game of introspection: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." Is there someone you haven't forgiven? Is there some constant sin you keep returning to? We all sin every day but if we live in sin, we block God's response to our prayers! How sad! And we blame Him for not caring! It's like a brash teenager who smashes up the car more than once, is unremorseful and then doesn't understand why we don't just hand over the keys the next time they beg to go out.

Yet, if the Holy Spirit is not revealing anything in particular to you that needs change, consider the possibility that there's an intricate design being painted on the canvas of your life. God sees the end product in all its glory. You must trust that the Master Artist will complete what He began in you. Job and the blind man (John 9:1-3) testify the trials that happened in their lives were not a result of sin, but to glorify God. Honestly, I'd really like for the Lord to share the exact colours, textures and shapes on my canvas, but if He doesn't, I'll do my best to be thankful that He takes joy in working on the masterpiece of my life. And any unanswered prayers? I pray patience and trust will lead my doubts, my emotions, and my prayers.

Day Thirteen: Who Does The Work?

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. (James 5:17)

There is hope, friends! Have you read the stories of Elijah and the earth-shattering miracles that followed him? The Bible says he was a mere human being like us! All he did was pray earnestly and the GOD who does the work did the work and the rain stopped. It's all about God and His power. Thank goodness, because I was beginning to wonder how I was going to cure all the cancer, rescue people from poverty and glue marriages back together. Phew! All I have to do is walk in obedience to His Word and pray in faith. (v.16) He's got the rest covered...according to His will and timing.

Trading Insecurity

(photo by Meghan)

All my insecurities are daily being laid at the feet of the only One who can bind up the wounded and set the captives free. And, you, my husband, help me trust Him with the way your words assure and the way your kiss seals all that love in tight. I'm trading it all in and the reward is worth the hard swallow and the open, shaking arms that are offering it up.

He Still Moves Mountains

What's your mountain? God can move it! Don't believe me? The praise reports I've heard lately prove His existence, His power and His love for His people. I was blown away yesterday by yet another story of a marriage that was filed for divorce and the Lord flipped the whole thing around within a matter of days. This couple is incredibly changed--both husband and wife, individually. I shook my head with tears brimming as the wife recounted how the Lord masterfully gifted His godly sorrow upon them for their sin and how each of them is so overwhelmed by who they were in the marriage, that suddenly, the other person's "issues" don't seem as looming anymore. Only a great and loving God can do this. Before it happens, no one would ever desire to feel the pain of their own sin but after the truth is brought to light by the Holy Spirit, the unbelievable miracle that ensues is astounding!

Be encouraged, Friends! Your situation is not too big for God to handle!

Matthew 17:20 Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Prayer Request

On Friday my sister, Hilary is scheduled for surgery to have a bone infection removed. Please pray for the success of this surgery--that the doctors will be able to remove all of it. Thank you so much!

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

Young Examples

The actors have spoken, the choir has sung, the angels have danced and, in this play, the live ornaments have found their purpose. The baby is born, the baby whom it was all about. As we tuck our tired children in their beds, hair still full of sparkle spray, a little voice whispers, "I hope people will be saved, Mommy." She is mindful of those in the audience who, for various reasons, have come to observe Christmas in this way. My daughter's theme verse is "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." I Timothy 4:12

I continue to learn from her.

Lord, use these precious children and their efforts by drawing people to You this Christmas. Let our little ones, who are learning to care for souls, see the harvest and may it grow their faith.

121. So thankful for children's Christmas presentations
122. for bumps and glitches in the program that keep us humble
123. for my little girl's new bravery--she danced in front of everyone!
124. for the prayer that helped my other little girl not to be nervous
125. for holidays (we get to have my husband home more often!)
126. for knowing that the death of His saints is precious in the sight of the Lord
127. for the ability to buy our children Christmas gifts
128. for sweet inventive spelling
129. for my husband who is just returning from the Toronto Maple Leafs game (Go Leafs Go!)
--the kids always pray for his safe return
130. for Addison Road
131. for Tetley's Earl Grey Vanilla tea
132. for a 2 year-old boy who, upon hearing someone use the Lord's name in vain said, "No! Jesus!"
133. for nativity figurines, felt board pieces, books, and His word, which all remind us of His coming
134. for Mrs. G stories!
135. for a loving ballet teacher
136. for meeting new friends in our large church who've been there for a few years already!
137. for Mr. Sketch smelly markers... mmm!
138. for little girls in colourful tights
139. for digital photography--oh, the joy of deleting!
140. for older teachers who remember you when they're purging their supplies
141. Lights, lights, and more Christmas lights!

Thank You, LORD!