1/23/17 – Genesis 15

“The Response to Prayer”

There is said to be three responses from God to prayer request; Yes, No, and Later.

It’s the last two that we really struggle with. YES is the heart of us all. We are by nature YES people. It brings us joy that, at times, our genie in the bottle god would answer us in what we commanded with a powerful – YES, your wish is my command. But a Prayer Warrior Christian knows that it doesn’t work that way and that YES is not always the best response.

In selfishness we pout, throw fits, or isolate ourselves from community and worship during the NO’s. NO is not the greatest answer to our finite minds and at times seems like an insult. (I’m just being honest about how I’ve felt at times. It seems devastating)

People of the YES and NOW nature can barely stand for LATER. If I feel like I’m being told YES but not NOW, hold on, it’s coming LATER. I’m going to drive myself crazy waiting on the LATER.

Even Abram and Sarai took issues with the YES and LATER response. So much so that they tried to make LATER – SOONER (Chapter 16). The problem with that: It’s not God’s doing. It’s mine or yours. It’s not His blessings. It’s my lack of contentment. It says I’m gonna help because I trust myself more than I trust your promise.

What can help us in these moments? Just a few things that I thought of.

1. We have no need to Fear any response if God is in it. He told Abram “FEAR NOT” during his impatience to what God had already promised him.
2. I need to learn to be still. Psalms 46:10 says, “Be Still and know that I am God”
3. I need to learn to wait on The Lord. Psalms 27:14 says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
4. I need to learn that His presence is enough. Psalms 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
5. I need to learn His time and His ways are always better than mine and to live in Faith. I love what Habakkuk 2:3-4 says, “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it, it will surely come; it will not delay. ⁴  “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
6. I need to learn that in Him, I’m going to be OK. He has proven His Faithfulness over and over and over again.

What are some things that you could add to the list that you need to learn?

God has Big plans for us. Don’t forget your Purpose.

Would you pray for God to teach you if you desire to learn. Examine those areas, listen to His response, and be Obedient in Faith to except the response, whatever it may be.

Pray for me and I’ll pray for you,

Bro. J