Blame It On The Rain
The last few weeks have been remarkable for the lack of rain. According to the news we have had almost 18 days of no rain and several record temperature days. These are normal in July and August, but hardly typical for early June. This last, week I got experience what I call the prayer paradox.
My daughter had track camp, she excitedly was learning to pole vault, and was praying every day that the rain would pass us by.
The news last night had several farmers talking about how far behind they were and how badly the crops needed rain. They were praying that this storm would not only hit us but linger over the state.
So who does God listen to?
The one with greater faith? The one that He loves more? What are the criteria He uses?
Perhaps He is working off some great mysterious plan that is unchangeable and beyond our manipulation?
The truth is God asks for you to trust Him. He wants you to pray, and He says that whatever you ask for in His name will be give to you. The quick read leaves you with the impression that the name of Jesus summons a genie. What Jesus is saying is that if you are a part of the body of Christ, if you are a disciple of the Lord, if you are walking by faith than what you pray for will be the will of God.
Consider the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
We live under His Name, in His kingdom, and we are praying for His will to be done.
Let’s just admit that is not easy. As much as we may say “Jesus take the wheel” we would rather “ God is my co-pilot”.
So, if you are willing, I want to challenge you to consider a few verses;
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. – Deuteronomy 31:8
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:13-14
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. – Titus 3:4-6
So what does one do when it seems prayer’s are unanswered?
How do you respond when things are not going according to your plan?
What do you do when you seem held captive, held back, or are discouraged?
I once had a wise man encourage me to “Trust the Promises”
- Pastor Dan