Saw a chain-like email sent to a Christian friend of mine. It was titled something along the lines of top 10 reasons Christians are stupid. One was reflecting the supposed poor success rate of answered prayer requests. Whoever sent this email placed the success rate in single digits of percentage. I’d like to know how they came up with that magical figure, anyway moving on.
Got me thinking though about how to respond to a non-Christian friend that might revel in hearing such information and treat it as ‘gospel’ despite its dodgy source. It’s always good to be prepared to respond. Some thoughts:
We humans are sinful by nature and our prayers can often reflect this, praying for things we think we need. Other times our prayers might be completely selfless such as praying for the improved health of a loved one. We might not get what we think we need and the loved one’s health might not improve quickly, but that doesn’t mean that prayer has not been answered. What happens in fact is the answer.
God hears prayers, ultimately He is in control. Maybe you don’t get that thing you think you need because you don’t really need it, you never did. Maybe the loved one continues in poor health to build up some perseverance. Everything happens for a reason (heard that before? It’s true). Unfortunately it can take a while to figure out what it is, and most don’t have the patience.
Think of Lazarus. He was sick and his family wanted him to get better. They cried out to Jesus to come and assist. However it was not until Lazarus was dead that Jesus acted. Meanwhile, the family were surprised that he didn’t act sooner. His reason for acting when he did?
“It’s for God’s Glory, so that God’s son may be glorified.” (John 11:4)
“…I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:42)
Not a bad starting point when searching for a reason for our struggles.
Perhaps we should all pray about it
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1 comment:
Yep, so true that it's important to come to back to the reason Jesus gave... for God's glory. Even though in the middle of struggles that can be hard.
Just been looking at Elizabeth Elliott's daily devotion today which is on just this topic. http://www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html. I've copied it here as I've found I haven't been able to access her devotion the following day:
'A beginner's prayers are generally an attempt to get God to pay attention to his wants. As we grow in grace, prayer becomes an attempt to turn our attention to God. His kingdom becomes our reference point for every matter that concerns us. Will this thing further or hinder the working of the will of God in me, in those I pray for, in these situations? What is on my mind today? Let me bring it at once into the light of God's countenance, refer it to his scrutiny, lay it (and my heart with it) open before Him. If I am not prepared to submit something, I am interested in myself, not in the kingdom. "Set your mind on God's kingdom and His justice before everything else, and all the rest will come to you as well''(Mt 6:33 NEB).'
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