02/07/2025
Today I am thinking about the two disciples 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 typically approached such occurrences; I could give into doubt and despair and begin my own walk back to Emmaus, or I could remain in Jerusalem and wait there in faith for the answer while remaining open to the many ways that God’s answer might come. I also think about the following words that Jesus spoke to the two as they walked, and I am convicted as they were.
“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 again a short while later when He said this to the apostles who were still in Jerusalem, but were now reduced to wallowing in doubt... which we could view as their own Emmaus…
“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 and when our prayers should be answered, it is the same lack of faith as we attempt to limit God's ability to act that undoes us. Either of these is a choice we have made subsequent to our prayer. 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 as we wait 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, was ignoring you, or refusing you?
Our anticipated timing is based on our own impatience and human nature. We chain our expectations to the way we demand that our prayers be answered and this is based on our limited wisdom and knowledge. I have come to two conclusions regarding this...
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 behind my request.
This is going to sound trite, but I remember being a young man and thinking I was in love with a certain 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 my wife Ann, a godly woman, a beautiful young woman, and a love that would last for a lifetime, then He asked me to choose. My prayer was answered but not as I had anticipated and not in the 2.5 seconds that I had hoped for... but all things worked together for my good. God heard what I actually wanted and gave me the best possible answer at exactly the time I needed it. (And not surprisingly, Ann’s prayer was answered in like fashion.)
The gist of this is that God sees the big picture and He directs us towards the best possible outcome and away from harm. He has our best interest at heart and shows us that 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. For his part Paul came to trust in the reason and wisdom of God (even if it did take three tries).
“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. As a matter of fact we too look for the answer to prayer in the wrong time and place as well. Aren’t each of us guilty of this in some way and in various life situations?
"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 in Christ.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for my answered prayers and for leading me to your perfect answer when I open my eyes to your goodness and wisdom. Father, I thank you for hearing each of my prayers, and then never answering them in a way that is not good, and the best for me. You 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 who opens my eyes to answered prayer. Holy are you who often presents me with better options and asks me to choose. Father, I have come to trust in you as Paul did, and to be glad if your answer shows me my weaknesses and helps me to overcome them by your grace. You are the one true God and are the great and wise “I Am” whose love for me knows no bounds and whose goodness covers me like a protective armor against my human desires. Your grace is certainly sufficient for me Lord, and in it I am able to walk with you as Jesus did… humble in my prayers, and expectant in your answers. I pray today that you will continue to reveal your will for me as you answer each of my prayers, and that you will give me the best possible answer to each of them. I especially ask that when your answer comes that it will open my heart, mind, and soul to your perfect will and outcome for me. Furthermore, I pray that it allows me to give you all the glory for my blossoming faith, and your promised provision. As Jesus saw His will to be subservient to yours, I pray that you will help and strengthen me as I come to you with that same firm understanding. In all of this I thank you and give you the glory forevermore.
Amen, Amen, Amen
Rich Forbes