Recently, I have been down on my knees praying for lots of good people. The professor in severe pain after his recent apartment fire. He faces a second skin graph and a long recovery. Then there’s the pregnant mom with triplets who would prefer her babies were not too anxious to arrive. We need them to stay put until July and grow stronger. Then there’s a young man whose leg was amputated and his spouse stands at the side of his bed to offer reassurance and comfort. Once again, a young innocent man waits in prison for his appeal so that he can return home to his parents and friends. And let's not forget all our furry creatures like Tucker who needs prayers that his lame leg will get better.On my knees I pray that God would take good care of these people. But what happens when it seems that God does not answer our prayers?
I am glad that God does not answer all my prayers the way I pray. Not only does logic and faith enter in but the story I wish to share with you a story that will convince you of its truth.
Somewhere and many years ago, I read of a young girl by the name of Amy. It seems that she often prayed to God that her brown eyes would be blue. Well, the next morning she rushed to the mirror and found that her eyes were still brown. She was really crushed. In trying to console her daughter the mother said that God did answer her prayer. It was with a "no". Many years passed and God called Amy into missionary service. She responded to the call and became a missionary to the country of India.
In the course of her ministry she was grateful that God had not answered her prayer the way she prayed. Now, dressed in the garb of the natives, her skin tanned brown, she could pass among the people and be extremely effective in her ministry. There were several times when she actually rescued some children. In from the danger of the temples of India. You see blue eyes would have given her away.
God prays for us as we reflect: “We do not know what we ought to pray for…: (Romans 8:26)
It is so important to always add, "Not my will, but yours be done, Lord" to our prayers. So, the bottom line is to pray, yes pray without ceasing, and to know that God will answer your prayer. It will be either with a "yes", a "no" or a "wait".
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that You do all things right. Amid difficulties and disappointments and the prayers that seemingly are not answered, may my friends be encouraged that You are there with them.
