Yesterday I wrote about confusion and questions. Learning to be persistent in our prayers and honest with ourselves. What happens if God doesn’t seem to answer our prayers, or He does and we don’t like the answer? How does that affect our faith? I was reading in a devotional about a preacher that said, “He who asks God for light must not complain if the light scorches at times with its fierce and naked heat, and he who asks for guidance must not be surprised if God points him to paths he would rather not tread.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes suggested that when people ask for your opinion, they are really asking for your praise. God doesn’t work like that. His answer to your prayer might be something that ends up being quite painful. In Luke 18:18-30 is the story of the rich young man who asked Jesus what he must do to be His follower. Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give it to the poor, and then he can follow Jesus. That wasn’t the answer the young man wanted. That wouldn’t be an answer anyone would want. This illustrates that the answers to our prayers are sometimes painful.
What do we do if the answer is something we don’t want to hear? Do we have the faith to understand that this is exactly what we asked for? So many times we glibly pray and ask for God’s will to happen in our lives…then when it does, we run away screaming. Sometimes losing our faith altogether…! Never forget that when you pray for the light, it might show you more than you want to see.
Don’t be afraid to move forward toward what might seem to be the scariest step you have ever taken. When you step forward in faith there is a tangible presence that comes with you. A peace, even in the pain and questions. Walk through the narrow path, even when you can’t see what is around the corner…knowing He is with you every step of the way. Don’t be afraid to admit your weakness. He can carry you.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
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