Answered Prayers

Thus says the LORD: In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you. - Isaiah 49:8

Throughout the bible, God is always telling us He will answer our prayers. He never says maybe. He always says yes. But yet there are many of us with what seem to be prayers that go unanswered. Why does that happen? The first answer to that is timing. God knows exactly when to do things. We're limited. We only look at the right now and how we think it will affect us. God can look at the big picture and know how it will affect everyone else as well. Plus, God is a great director; He knows the perfect spot in the story line to make our miracles happen. The second answer is a bit harder for us to understand. When God answers a prayer, He addresses our needs and not necessarily our wants. For example, you could be in love with someone and pray to God for the relationship to work out, but instead you break up. A few months later you meet someone new and you get married. Believe it or not, God answered your prayer. He knew you were actually praying for someone who was good for you, who put as much effort into the relationship as you do. The first relationship was what you thought you needed. God knows what you actually need and that's what He gives you when He answers a prayer. If we learn to keep our eyes open for these things and our trust firm in God, we'll see how He works things out for us. Yes, sometimes it takes a lot of time and many times it's frustrating if we don't feel anything is happening, but it is there. God never leaves a prayer unanswered.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, show me patience. No matter how much time passes and how difficult things look, calm me down and remind me that You are working for my good. Show me trust so that I can rest assure that You've got me in Your hands. In Jesus' Name we pray, amen.


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