Each week there is a sheet inserted in the Sunday worship bulletin of our church that lists the names of the many people for whom we are praying. The names may be of those who are sick, discouraged, in need, and family members, to include just a few. The list is made for the purpose of reminding us that people are always in need of prayer.
There are many sayings regarding prayer, such as: “Prayer changes things,” “Prayer is the hand that moves the universe,” “God does nothing but in answer to prayer,” and “Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” I believe that these sayings are much more than empty clichés, but they are true. God does answer prayer, and He even invites us to come before Him that we may petition Him.
The writer of Hebrews says, “Let us therefore come boldly to His throne of grace that we might find grace to help in our time of need.” The word ‘boldly’ certainly does not imply that we are to come before with arrogance, but with full assurance that He who hears us will answer us.
Many people do not believe in the power of prayer – the reasons are varied. Some have experienced disappointment with God because they did not receive what they asked for. Some years ago, Garth Brooks made popular the song “Unanswered Prayers.” The chorus read: “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers; remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs, that just because He doesn’t answer doesn’t mean He don’t care; some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”
Though I am not in agreement with calling our God and Father ‘the man upstairs,’ the remaining words of the chorus are true. What if we were to receive everything we asked of God at the moment that we first asked? Sometimes we ask too casually, without thinking of the impact that might come when the request becomes reality.
Regarding prayer, we must understand that God always answers us. His answers are given in three ways: Yes, No, and Wait. When God answers with “Yes,” we are delighted. When He answers “No,” we may be disappointed and not fully understand. But when He answers “Wait,” we often experience the greatest difficulty to understand.
The apostle Paul prayed unto God for deliverance from a physical malady that he referred to as “…a thorn in the flesh.” Paul declared that he prayed fervently three times, and the Lord answered with “No!” But with the negative answer God gave a reason, saying to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, and My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
When we know that God has declined to answer, there must be a reason. As we seek God’s will, He will make it known to us. And, as far as the answer “Wait” is concerned, God has a reason, as well. Waiting is difficult, but as has been said often: “Time spent waiting before God is time that is never wasted.”
- Pastor Jerry Dunn, Oak Street Baptist Church
