Yesterday, when the physician
told Bev no further treatment was needed, that her extensive biopsy showed no
irregular cells, we were thrilled. We thanked God from the depths of our
beings. Later that same day, an old friend wrote and told us that after being
diagnosed with a late stage cancer several months ago, and going through
treatment, her most recent scans show no cancer. We were so happy for Susan, so grateful to the
Lord for this blessing. Then last night, another
colleague sent word of great disappointment in his life. He wrote, “We're really upset, but
trusting in God's sovereignty and providence. Please pray for us as we deal
with this loss.” As I prayed for
this man, I asked the Lord to increase MY faith that I would trust Him in the same way when the
answer is ‘yes,’ and when the answer is ‘no,’ when His Presence is evident, and
when His face is hidden.
In a childish way,
I sometimes wish God would always say “yes,” but realize what chaos would ensue in this
world. In the film, “Bruce Almighty,” (2003) the lead character questions God and is allowed to exercise divine power in the city of
Buffalo, NY for a time. Overwhelmed by
the prayerful petitions that pour in, he says yes to every prayer, and quickly
realizes that he cannot do that again. (Yes, it’s comedy and we cannot form
theology from pop culture!)
Think over
your life and how many unwise prayers you have prayed. God reveals Himself as a
purposeful and wise Father and asks that He trust Him to lead us in ways that
are best. Sometimes the only prayer we can muster is the desperate one of the
father who brought his tormented son to Jesus for healing. When his faith was
challenged, he cried: “I do believe; help
me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NIV)
Prayers can be derailed by too much of "ME" in them. If our prayers are
answered with healing, prosperity, or other blessings, we may be tempted with
subtle pride. “I must have been good
enough, prayed with enough faith, did something that merited this good thing,”
we think. Or, on the other side of the
coin, we might think, “If only I were a better person, if I gave more, served
more, prayed harder … God would have spared me this trial.” The Devil rejoices when we turn our focus on
ourselves. If it’s all about “me” I cannot know the grace He offers, the
wonderful peace found in the center of His love. Awful insecurity results as we wonder if we
are good enough for God! Yes, of course,
it is both good and right to live in intimate obedience, walking with our
Heavenly Father. The Bible warns us that
God cannot be mocked, and that a man will reap a harvest from the seeds he
plants. But, hopefully those warning
will not drive us to perfectionism, but to greater dependence on His mercy and
grace!
Here’s a word from
the Word for ALL times, glad and sad, blessed and broken, failure and success.
Meditate on the wisdom of the Spirit. "Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
(Philippians 4:6-8, NIV)
(Philippians 4:6-8, NIV)
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I love this
arrangement of the hymn, “I Need Thee Every Hour.” It’s done a capella. Listen and enjoy.
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