To grow as a Christian means to become closer, and develop a more intimate relationship, with God. This relationship begins when we are born into His family – when we ask Him to forgive our sins through faith in Jesus and begin what is intended to be an eternal communion of love. He desires for us to trust Him in ALL things and pray to Him on all occasions; “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Jesus promised that our prayers will be heard and answered; “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24). But as we lift up our requests, we can sometimes become confused by God’s response. We often perceive His answers to be slow in arriving, or we are disappointed with His reply; we may even begin to doubt if God even hears our prayers.
But we must remember that we have entered into an eternal relationship with the Sovereign Creator of the Universe! Underlying all our prayers must be the firm belief that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). God always has a plan, and His plan is very, very good! His plan is that we draw closer to His side and joyfully be conformed to the image of His Son. We must trust that His answer to our prayers will meet our true need, and fulfill our deepest desire, much better than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
A short time after Jesus was crucified, Peter and John were confronted by a crippled man sitting beside the Temple gate begging for money.
Acts 3:6
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.'”
Until that day, the crippled man had never walked a single step. In his limited view of the world, the only hope he had for a better life was to be given a little money by those passing by. His request was limited by what he could see and understand – limited by his faith.
Our loving Father always hears our prayers, and He always answers. His answer to prayer is either yes, no, or wait…and sometimes He answers with, “Here my child, I have something much better for you.” But most often, God answers by simply giving us more of Himself.
God’s view of our needs (and His view of the entire world) is much higher and grander than our own. We generally see our need as the solution to some short term problem, but our true need is always to grow by drawing closer and loving Him more. Let’s take our eyes off the crutches we think will “fix” our problem and look instead to the One who is calling, to the One who patiently says, “Trust Me and come into My presence as you arise and walk!”
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Aug 6 Ezra 3:1-4:24; 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 20:24-25
Aug 7 Ezra 5:1-6:22; 1 Corinthians 3:5-23; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 20:26-27
Aug 8 Ezra 7:1-8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30
Aug 9 Ezra 8:21-9:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2
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