Answered Prayers
There are few surprises in life that are as gratifying as answered prayers. It’s common for us to miss these compassionate works, while assuming providence, favorable circumstances or that even luck might have been responsible for our well timed good fortune. We are simply not adequately tuned in once our prayer has been answered. The time-between “detours” from our hopes and expectations to delivery, worsen this reaction. There is so much joy and power in this belief that we call Christianity but luck isn’t one of the tools in our Lord’s belt. It’s true that we don’t know what God knows. It’s also true that we don’t necessarily understand what’s in our own best interests. The concept of luck is more of a trick that Satan might pull out, to mislead, misdirect or even to employ so that credit for some of God’s watchful works is waylaid. Luck can also be the bait that snags the unspiritual seeker of fortune into a more vulnerable and risky position.
I recently found myself praising God on a daily basis for a continuing blessing. When I thought about it and asked of myself, why daily, it occurred to me that it was a though I was making sure that my appreciation would be available on whichever day the Lord might be listening to me? I was acting as if He was not with me every minute? When misfortune appears in our lives, it is not the result of God’s absence or attitude. If we have that desired relationship with the Lord, it’s a 24/7 relationship. Misfortune is simply a part of our earthly (sinful) existence. When I cry, I’m not crying alone. When I laugh, I can hear the spiritual echo of my joy. Whatever happens to me, is felt by God. When your child is ill, you suffer alongside. When your child squirms with joy, the smile on your face is available for everyone. So it is with God and the life He has blessed us with. When it’s His will, our prayers will be answered. I don’t really understand how the Internet works, I just know that it does as long as God provides the resources for power. The mind which created our mind is an awesome power. The love that fostered our love is an enviable emotion. The will that answers prayers is fueled by the combination of His power and love that is immeasurable. Too often, when we resort to prayer, we’ve nearly given up on human solutions. “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” (Isaiah 65:24 NLT). We take so much for granted!
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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