I’m not much of a science person, or a math person, or a “this mathematical principle if used here will solve this problem” kind of person. I got left in the dark when science and math genes were handed out. 🙂 It seems strange then, I guess, that my favorite TV show of all time is MacGyver. I know it was just television, but his ability to solve things with his mind-and seemingly at the drop of a hat-astounded me. The later version was even more math/problem oriented than the original (and yes, I liked that one also till it got a little “weird”). Anyway, I can remember him using or stating a principle that even I can remember hearing when I was taking the class: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
My intention in this devotion is not to delve into that statements truth or untruth…as if. For the record: it is true (so they tell me).
I want to apply it to prayer. We often say, “God will answer your payer-in His way, for His glory, and in His time.” That doesn’t make waiting any easier, but it does leave us something to think about.
If God has perfect timing (and He does), why do we get so bent out of shape when we have to wait? Let’s think about this. If every action has an equal and opposite reaction, what would happen if God does answer our prayer according to our time table? Who knows what domino effect could take place if it was? Maybe, just maybe, God overruled something that could have messed up the space time continuum. 🙂 Seriously, what if God answered how we wanted and when we wanted and all chaos broke loose in our lives?
Some prayers are answered right away. But some prayers-because of the sovereignty and omniscience of God-are not. And that turns out to be a good thing because the ONE who knows us best loves us the most.
Well said, Bill! I am living proof! Some answers take 40 years, but with umpteen little indications that God IS at work along the way!
Blessings to you and Jo!
I know some of your story Pam and i would direct others to read more about it on your blog. Thanks for being a witness to the “prayer answering” God.
Morning, Bill. I never heard it put quite this way. Good points!
Thanks Diane. I hope it helped.
Prayer is one of the disciplines I struggle with the most, At least in the traditional since. Quiet place, kneeling, hands folded, eyes closed… I think you get the picture. I find my prayers tend to be more conversational, but sometimes not even verbalized. I am thankful, most of the time, that God knows my thoughts.
He knows what I am going to say before I say it, what I am thinking before I am thinking it. I would agree that the waiting is sometimes the hardest, but at the same time when you come to a place where you can trust God with the outcome, whatever it is… even if it becomes unpleasant… God will ultimately use it for His good and His glory and will take care of my concerns one way or another.
You are not alone, I’m sure, on the struggle with praying. it is a good thing to be able to come to the place of rest, knowing His will will be done.
My pray life has certainly deepened in the last few years, thanks to Adienne on our monday night and once a month pray time for our community. That being said, waiting on God’s timing, being quiet enough to listen, patience enough to wait for His lead, trusting enough to come to a place of rest while things unfold, is extremely hard to do. I think that I will still be working on these things until the good Lord calls me home. I absolutely love pray, and my quiet time with the Lord. The lessons, the peace, the love, trust, there certainly is no better gift in the world, than pulling up close to our Father and having Him listen to our hearts. May the glory praise and honor be to the Father always.
I can tell you love to pray Gail and your steadfastness in meeting and praying with Adienne makes a difference. Thanks for being so faithful in that. I know God honors your prayers from Monday night and each day. Thanks for praying for me.
Knowing that God hears our prayers, and will act in His perfect time, relieves me of any anxiety. I’m perfectly happy to wait on Him.
Blessings, Bill!
And THAT is the best place to be Martha.