“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
-1 Corinthians 13:11-13
We are told throughout the Bible that if we are faithful, God will give us what we ask for… if we don’t doubt… and ask according to His will… in the name of Jesus… with pure motives… not holding anything against our brother… and so on and so on. While prayer itself is an easy task, just a simple conversation, the stipulations surrounding prayer can make our heads spin! Don’t get caught up in the details too much, because it can frustrate your prayers more than help them. For today, let’s think about the prayers that aren’t answered.
If we have followed the stipulations in the Bible for prayer to be answered, and we feel like we have taken all the correct steps for God to give us what we ask for, why hasn’t He answered every prayer? The answer is easier than we make it: Because He is God and we are not. Since we only have partial revelation of God’s plan, we cannot possible know the will of God in its entirety. While we may ask with pure motives, it may simply go against His current plan. When those times come, we must not let the discouragement of an unanswered prayer cause us to question the love and purposes of God. No matter what comes from our prayers, we must cling to His love!
Let’s pray:
1.) What are you praying for right now that you do not see happening with your physical eyes? What is God saying to you about this request? Tell him all your frustrations and hurts, holding nothing back.
2.) Let God examine your heart. Pray for God to reveal if there is a hidden motive or sin that is standing in the way of your prayer being answered. Don’t be quick to dismiss this moment- God wants to reveal our hearts so we can have fullness of life in Him!
3.) Rest in His love. Whether He answers our prayers the way we want or not, we can choose to believe in the great love He has for us. Continue to ask for what you long for, in faith, knowing that God is listening and working on your behalf.
One more day left!! We will not have a spring session of #theFives, but we will have a community group to work through the Believe Boldly book together, led by yours truly. Live teaching and interaction will be our focus as we read through the book together (or for a second time!) Hear stories behind the stories, ask your tough questions, and get ready for God to move radically through your prayers!
Group sign-ups begin March 19th.
If you have purchased the book or listened to it on audio, we would LOVE for you to partner with us by leaving a review on Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
This has been an awesome time. Thank you for encouraging me to pray more.
Thank you for these sessions to continue with my obedience in having my one on one relationship with my daddy Jesus. ??????
Spending early morning time with my group has been wonderful. The fives has brought me to a new level in prayer Thank you to everyone!
Third time praying through The Fives and God showed up with much love and compassion. Thank you David Felker for leading our men’s group so well, and thank you Erica for your obedience and commitment to helping so many understand prayer. Glory to God!
Thank you for joining us! I love when men lead their families well in prayer. Praise God!