Ernest Smith

Praying!! No matter your religious beliefs, when people are pressed with challenges or hardships, almost everyone prays. Which also means that almost everyone has had prayers not answered.

Did you know there are about 650 prayers recorded in Scripture? That is a lot of prayers. But, did you know that only roughly 450 of those prayers received an answer? That means that 200 prayers went unanswered…or did they?

Over the years, I have wrestled with my prayers not being answered. Why didn’t God answer this prayer? Did God not hear me on this one? Does God not care about this thing in my life? These are all questions we ask when we believe our prayers aren’t being answered, but what if God answers every question? What if every prayer I have prayed was answered?

I have come to the belief that every prayer I pray is answered by God in one of three ways. God may say “yes”. This is the best answer…at least in our limited knowledge. God may say “no”. This answer hurts. It can cause us to question God’s love for us. The last answer God may give is “wait”. Wait can be the hardest answer to hear.

Wait? Til When? What do I need to do to get a yes? What do I need to do in the mean time? Why are you asking me to wait

In our microwave culture, we want what we want, when we want it. The same is true in our prayers; however, God is trying to teach us to trust in Him. No matter the answer God gives us, we are called to trust. To trust that He knows what He is doing, He knows what is best, He knows our deepest longings and what will fill us up.

Proverbs 3:5-6 states, Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.

Take time today and ask God to help you trust more in Him. No matter the answers He gives you to your prayers, ask Him for more trust. That is one prayer He WILL answer.

Prayer Focus – Day Seven: Political Season 

Pray for the political season our town, state and country is entering. Pray that God would place the right leaders in the right positions. Pray that God would make it very clear who the best people are to best live out His values and His truths. Pray that through it all, we would see God’s hand and grace in our lives.