More Questions . . .

I've been seeking God for answers lately. I have a lot of questions. Faith is like that. And as I pursue understanding in my life's circumstances, God isn't answering my prayers in the way that I expect Him to . . . but He's answering them- according to His will. And that is enough for me. He tells me His grace is sufficient . . . it continues to be MORE than enough. He urges me to walk by faith and "lean not unto my understanding." He strengthens me beyond words . . . even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death . . . I don't have any fear of evil. But, what do I make of my prayers that are going seemingly unanswered? Does God ALWAYS answer prayer? Jesus says He does . . . and I trust Jesus. So, there arises another question in my faith walk:

Is there such a thing as "unanswered prayer"? I don't believe so, according to God's Word. (Matthew 7:8, 1 John 5:14-15) But, what I find is that there are "unwanted answers." Too often, God doesn't give us what we want. He often, in those instances, blesses us with the power in His presence, and He speaks to us in ways that are more valuable than the things we pray for. Often times, God is saying to us, "I will not take away the trial, but I will give you the strength and peace to endure it." Another way He says that is: "I won't give you what you want, but I'll give you what you need." In times of desperation, God's grace "is sufficient." Through it all, through the unanswered questions, seemingly useless prayers, God is at work, doing greater things than we can comprehend. He's growing our faith-preparing us for a more meaningful, powerful, and valuable answer.

"You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I-and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me." (Job 42:3 NLT)

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!" (Psalm 139:6 NLT)

ALL that we know is incomplete. Until we go to meet Jesus or He comes to get us . . . we will face seemingly unanswered prayer . . . but when we are finally in eternity, we'll find that God answered every single one of our prayers . . . in His perfect way . . . in His perfect timing.


"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)


I'm not sure what you're praying to God about . . . but I am almost certain you wonder if He's listening. You're wondering if God is with you and if He cares. Rest assured and believe by faith that God is with you . . .always. (Matthew 28:20) One way or another, your prayers WILL be answered. Maybe not the way you planned. Maybe not in the way you expected God to handle it all. Things may not turn out the way you hope. But, you will see God's hand at work . . . if not in your circumstances, most certainly in your heart. Despite what your current circumstances are telling you . . . God is with you. . . He is for you . . . and He is working things out for YOUR good and HIS glory.
 
One last question God has left me with in my conversations with Him regarding prayer . . .
 
"Does your faith depend upon God or your circumstances?"
 
Boy, God asks good questions!!! I guess that's why He's God. LOL.