I think Garth Brooks said it best…
when he sang: “One of God’s greatest gifts….. is unanswered prayers.” (click here if that reference isn’t understood) Ok, maybe that was a bit too dramatic and WAY too country to start a blog. But let’s explore the concept of God’s response to our prayers for a short moment today.
There is a chasm-sized difference between what we expect God to do and what God historically has done. Now, historically, God has done some AMAZING things in response to human requests. He parted the Red Sea, healed people, etc… Lots of great moments laid out for us in the Bible.
Now – let’s make sure we’re on the same page… because if we’re not, we could walk away from this blog with the idea that if God doesn’t part the Red Sea in front of us or heal our great aunt He isn’t listening to us. God is listening, and God is able to do great things.
Why do we sometimes feel like He doesn’t answer most of our prayers then? The biggest clue we need is in the context of God’s great movements in the Bible AND in Paul’s discourse on prayer in Philippians 4.
- When God did amazing things in the text for people, it is often clearing the path for them on a journey HE set in front of them. They are following His will, plan, and path. Israel was leaving Egypt by the Hand of God – and He removed barriers. Elijah called down fire from Heaven in response to God’s message and identity over the false prophets of Baal. Jesus healed and brought the dead back to life – because He is Jesus – the ultimate display of God on earth.
- Paul, in the text of Philippians 4 that we featured in yesterday’s sermon (11/17/19) never once mentions God’s immediate response to our prayers. Here is his process (paraphrased): Don’t worry, pray about everything, thank God for what He’s done, get peace. Peace comes because God is. Peace comes because God has done. Peace comes because God. Peace does not arrive because we get everything we want.
God’s greatest gift is that God is, was, and will be. God has done amazing things. God is doing amazing things. God will do amazing things. This is the source of our peace. God, not answered prayers. God, not blessings. God, not prosperity, health, and wealth.
Think about the context of our obstacles as well… If we are truly following God’s will then the obstacles we face will be addressed like the Red Sea. If we are doing what God wants from us (hungering and thirsting for righteousness) then we will be satisfied and amazing things will happen.
Perhaps…perhaps…. we continually face unanswered prayers because we are trying to align God to our will and not the other way around. God’s will is perfect… Ours, not so much. God’s greatest gift is God – manifest in Jesus.
Philippians 4: 4 – 9 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)