Our Prayers - God’s Answers

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

In the movie “The Prayer Box,” thirteen-year-old Wesley is desperately praying to God to heal his sister, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. After church one Sunday, he places his prayer request in the “prayer box” at church. His childlike faith gives him the confidence that the prayers of the pastor and the “prayer warriors” at his church will move God’s heart of compassion and hand of healing. But his confidence is shaken when he sees the pastor throw away the prayer requests. Unbeknownst to Wesley, the pastor is going through his own struggles and is disappointed and disillusioned with God, who he feels isn’t answering his prayers. Wesley decides to retrieve the prayer requests and sets out to do what he can to answer them. He thinks that by doing these good deeds, he will get God’s attention so that He will intervene and heal his sister. God does intervene, but not in the way Wesley had hoped. Sadly, his sister does not get healed. But God uses Wesley’s prayers to bring healing and restoration in the life of the pastor and the church community.

The Higher Plans of Our Sovereign God

Isn’t it amazing how we can sometimes have the answer to our prayers even before God has provided His answers? We become thoroughly convinced that this is the only way God should be answering our prayers. If He doesn’t, then surely He isn’t God. At least the God that we think He ought to be. But is this God that we have neatly packaged in a box with a fancy ribbon really God, the sovereign God who does as He pleases? Not because He is a cruel God, but quite the opposite - a God who loves us deeply, knows us intimately and, in His infinite wisdom, does what is best for us. This sovereign God will not be manipulated or coerced into intervening in a way that thwarts or hinders His higher plans for us and those we pray for (Job 42:2). God answered Wesley’s prayers in unexpected ways, bringing healing in his heart and in the hearts of the church community. When we allow God to be the loving, all-wise, omnipotent God that He is, we will experience His love in profound ways. We will experience His life -  rich, abundant and free. Trust Him to do what only He can do.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)

Reflection

Have there been times when you’ve been disappointed about the way that God has answered your prayers? Why not ask God to help you understand His sovereignty? 

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, that You, in Your sovereignty, know what is best for me. Forgive me, Lord, for putting you in my neatly wrapped box. Help me to trust that You will do exceedingly, abundantly above all I can ask or think. In Jesus’ name, amen.