02/07/2023
As we approach Lent and Easter, I am thinking about the two who walked the road to Emmaus and encountered Jesus. I am amazed that they had left Jerusalem and were returning home dejected and believing the Lord had failed them... they were disappointed that their timeline had not been met as they thought it should have been. The promise of three days, in their eyes, meant that Jesus would arise and redeem Israel by force from the Romans. Let's read their words...
“But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.”
Luke 24:21 ESV
I remember times when I awaited the answer to my own prayers and they weren't answered as quickly, or in the way I imagined. There were two basic ways I could approach such occurrences; I could give in to doubt and despair and begin my own walk back to Emmaus, or I could remain in Jerusalem and wait in faith for the answer while remaining open to the many ways that answer might come.
I think about the following words that Jesus spoke to the two as they walked, and I am convicted.
“And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”
Luke 24:25 ESV
And then a short while later He said this to the apostles who were still in Jerusalem, but were now reduced to wallowing in doubt...
“And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have."”
Luke 24:38-39 ESV
Whether we give in quickly, or are worn down by our own expectations of how our prayers should be answered, it is the same lack of faith, and limiting of God's ability to act. Either of these is a choice we have made. Oswald Chambers describes this as a form of dejection.
"Dejection springs from one of two sources - I have either satisfied a lust or I have not. Lust means - I must have it at once. Spiritual lust makes me demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Who gives the answer." - Oswald Chambers
When we lose faith and become dejected, in our own impatience for an answer, it is no different than actually receiving an answer to prayer and not recognizing it. In both instances we are doubting God's word and losing faith. Have you been there? Have you abandoned a prayer because you didn't feel that God heard you or was ignoring you?
Our anticipated timing is based on our own impatience and human nature; while the way we want our prayers answered is based on our limited wisdom and knowledge. I have come to two conclusions...
1) I want God to answer my prayers in His perfect time; the optimum time when it does me the most good.
2) I want God to work all things for good as He answers my prayer... not giving me just what I asked for, but answering in such a way as to fulfill the overarching reason for my request.
This is going to sound trite, but I remember being a young man and thinking I was in love with a beautiful girl. I prayed that God would have her love me and that one day we would marry. The prayer regarding her was thankfully not answered as I asked, or in the 2.5 seconds that I had hoped he would answer it in. Instead, God led me to Ann, a godly woman, a beautiful young woman, and a love that would last for a lifetime. My prayer was answered but not as I had anticipated and not in the 2.5 seconds I had hoped for... but all things worked together for my good. God heard what I wanted, and gave me the best possible answer at exactly the time I needed it. (And not surprisingly, her prayer was answered in like fashion.)
The gist of this is that God sees the big picture and He directs us towards the best outcome and away from harm. He has our best interest at heart, and there is more at play than just our lust for immediate gratification. God didn't heal Paul despite his three prayers, but He taught him things about his life of faith as a result.
“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ESV
Chambers writes that we often look for God in the wrong places. In fact we likewise look for the answer to prayer in the wrong time and place as well. How many millions of Jewish prayers asked for a conquering Messiah to come save them, before at last Jesus arrived to suffer and redeem all men… Jews and Gentiles alike?
"We look for visions from heaven, for earthquakes and thunders of God's power (the fact that we are dejected proves we do), and we never dream that all the time God is in the commonplace things and people around us." - Oswald Chambers
We are inclined to listen for a clap of thunder that signals our prayer has been answered when instead the answer typically comes in the quiet peace and joy of a faith well founded, and the good in a life well lived.
Prayer:
Father hear my prayers, but never answer them in a way that is not best for me. Give me what I ask Lord, but do it in a way that is perfect in its goodness and timing. If, however, I ask for a dollar, but a penny will increase my faith and provide that which I need, then your will be done. Lord, give me patience as I wait on your provision, and give me the wisdom to understand your answer when it comes. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who answers prayers. Praise your name for every time my desire in prayer has yielded itself to your wisdom and goodness as you answer. Cleanse me in the blood of Jesus, and thus in my newfound righteousness answer my prayers as you know best… in conformance to your will as you understand mine. Help me Father to see your answer in such a way that it strengthens my belief, and faith. Help me to understand the mercy and grace that accompanies your every response to my childlike, and immature prayers. Help me to trust you with my wellbeing, and best interests. Then, on the day of judgement see me as I abide in Christ, not in my own shortcomings, and be pleased with me. Hear me as I thank you for the perfection of every prayer you answered, even those I didn’t understand in the moment. Seat me at your table in the perfect place, and feed me the appropriate food as you continue to nurture me, and bring me into adulthood as I grow in you for all eternity… praying and trusting in your will forevermore.
Rich Forbes