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Here is an excerpt from E.M. Bounds on Prayer, that illustrates that God Does Not Disappoint Us: Prayer is mighty in its operations, and God never disappoints those who put their trust and confidence in him. They may have to wait long for the answer, and they may not live to see it, but the prayer of faith never misses its object. "A friend of mine in Cincinnati had preached his sermon and sank back in his chair, when he felt impelled to make another appear," says Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman. A boy at the back of the church lifted his hand. My friend left the pulpit and went down to him, and said, "Tell me about yourself." The boy said, "I live in New York. I am a prodigal. I have disgraced my father's name and broken my mother's heart. I ran away and told them I would never come back until I became a Christian or they brought me home dead." That night there went from Cincinnati a letter telling his father and mother than their boy had turned to God. Let's keep on praying for our prodigals until our last breath! ….And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and charter, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:2-5, NIV
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"We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the Heavenly world, and can bring its power down to earth." Andrew Murray It is very apparent that God's ways are not our ways when it comes to intercessory prayer. Why would the God of the universe, limit himself to mere humans? But that is precisely what He does. Thankfully, it is not by human effort or power, but from the Holy Spirit God implanted in us when we first believed. God's Spirit in us moves His hand, but He requires that we cooperate with Him and pray. When we talk with God and bring the needs of others to Him in prayer, He moves! Call out to God, He is listening for your voice and waiting to answer you. “This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it--the LORD is his name: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:2-3, NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:5-8, NIV) The season of sorrow seemed unending. Each day carried more unwelcome news, and I was barely breathing. Like the father who carried his convulsing son to Jesus, conjuring up faith that I didn't have caused me to call out to Jesus, "Help me overcome my unbelief". God does not ask us to find the strength within ourselves, but simply to believe that He is able. Oh what freedom is found in the words--you should ask God.
In the book, E.M. Bounds on Prayer, Bounds says, "Faith is not an aimless act of the soul, but a looking to God and a resting upon his promises. Just as love and hope have always an objective so, also, has faith. Faith is not believing just anything; it is believing God, resting in him, trusting in his Word." . "God does nothing except in response to believing prayer."
It is natural to think that God doesn’t hear our prayers if we don’t see the answers we expect, or, if a long period of time passes. Jesus stressed to his disciples how important is was to have faith and not doubt. (Matthew 21:21-22) But having faith in God to answer our prayers does not mean that He will answer them according to our will or time schedule. However, we can be certain that God hears our prayers and He will answer them according to His Sovereign will and in His perfect timing (2 Peter 3:8-9). "Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!" Andrew Murray Each year we add something new to the Labor of Love event. So, this year I thought it might be nice to have an area where we can blog about prayer. It is sure to boost our faith as we prepare to submit our prayer requests to God this Labor Day. Let’s get started by considering what ingredients are essential to prayer. #1 Believe God ExistsAnd without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) I first met Jesus in 1975. Prior to that time, I believed in God, but didn’t understand much about Jesus; until my sister explained sin to me. A friend of mine told me that I would go to Hell if I didn’t know Jesus, and I was irritated by her statement. I didn’t think I had done anything terribly wrong to deserve Hell; till I heard about God’s holiness and the sacrifice that was necessary to reconnect me to Him.
His act was very personal, and as my sister went on to explain, God would have sent Jesus to die for me, even if I was the only person on earth. It was that important for Jesus to be in relationship with me. Hearing her words, the Holy Spirit revealed Himself to me for the first time. That evening in October, I received life! You see, I had known there was a God, but I really did not know Him. My walk with Jesus hasn’t been flawless--far from it, but it has been a steady progressive movement toward Him. Like Job, after the troubles I have faced, I can say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) I suppose trouble has a way of working God’s truths deep within our souls. Honestly, I would not have survived, nor be thriving today if I didn’t know Jesus. What about you? |
AuthorLeslie Gunby, Founder/CEO of Waiting Room Ministry. ArchivesCategories |
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