Why Should God Answer That Prayer?

 

I recently found myself talking to God about a young woman who is in need of prayer.  Without thinking, I began to tell God about her age, her situation and her children.  I knew that unless He intervened, it could be difficult for everyone involved.  I mentioned her finances, her health and how her children would be hit if things got any worse.  I was really putting on my spiritual attorney hat and laying a case before God as to WHY He should answer this particular prayer.  My argument was pretty solid, she was a young woman serving God and we all know that God has only good plans for us.  This prayer was going to be answered just because GOD KNOWS.

 

Before I went much further, God stopped me. "So Why Should I Answer That Prayer?" 

 

I was a bit stunned, it seemed obvious to me why this prayer should be answered, but just as soon as I got the question, I remembered Who I talking to; this was not a conversation with people.

 

Many times in life we forget that God is not human.  Yes, Jesus became human and is touched by the feelings or our infirmities, but He is governed by the word of God.  His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not ours.  We think that if we give Him a sad enough story with details, then we can kind of 'bribe' Him into answering our prayers because He pities us- but God in not like man.  He is not moved by tears, by pain or by sad circumstances that mirror a lifetime movie.  God is only moved by faith.

PRAYER OF FAITH OR FEAR?

Faith and fear walk close together sometimes. If we are not careful, we can end up praying in FEAR not in FAITH without even knowing it.  Fear can fool us because our emotions are in it.  It can feel like faith because we want it so badly and are willing to do whatever we can to see  that prayer answered.  As an example take a person who is praying for a loved one who doctors say they can no longer do anything for.  We can pray on a level we don't normally pray on when we REALLY want God to answer.  We can be forceful, confident and persistent- but is that due to faith or fear?  Don't get me wrong, it can be a prayer of faith, but thinking that God will answer only because your emotions are involved, is not faith.  Faith believes God even when the answer is not clear, when we don't even know if He will do what we are asking. Faith is consistent, it does not waver due to circumstances. If we are living by faith, then we can pray in faith without having to rely on theatrics. 

 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  

1 Corinthians 15:58

 

 

 

CRY, DRY, AND PRAY!

God loves when we remind Him of what He has said.  He recognizes faith when circumstances do not look good, but we remind Him that He is.   He loves when we can stand on His word and know that He answers prayers for His namesake, not ours. You have to know His word to remind Him of it, faith does not work without God's word.  The bible says "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"  If you really want answers to prayer, you first need His word, remind Him of His word then remind Him that His name in on the line, not yours.  After praying in faith, allow God to work things out and answer according to His will, His timing and His Plan.

 

If you are moved by a situation that you or someone else is facing, it is fine to cry, it is fine to feel the pain of what you are dealing with... but after you get it out of your system for a moment, dry your eyes and pray in faith.  Lay aside all the emotion that makes you feel fearful or anxious, and simply talk to the God you love and serve.  He does not have to be convinced to answer your prayer, just remind Him- He promised.