Unexpected Blessings

I have often heard people say that God answers all prayers; sometimes He answers “no.”

Personally, I have never got much comfort out of that thought. I want all His answers to be “yes!”

Of course, God does not always give me what I want.  But to say that God answers “no” is not the whole truth.  He may not give us what we specifically ask for, but He always gives us what we need, and what will in the long run make us the happiest. 

Imagine an adolescent boy looking  swimsuit model in a sports magazine,  wanting that woman.  Of course, if he really met that woman, she might be vain, selfish, and an utter pain to be with.  He may want a girl with those kinds of curves, but that is just a superficial desire.  Years later living with a wife he loves, who will be his lifetime companion, he may thank God every day that he did not get the desires of his heart when he was thirteen. 

God wants more than anything that we be happy—that our lives may be fulfilling and blessed on this earth.  Our view of what blessing means and His view may be very different.  He is always right. 

Don’t waste your time thinking about the times you did not get what you wanted from God.  Instead, think about the many, many other times when you did.  Also, remember the unexpected blessings that are yours every day,  that you never even thought to ask for, that are yours already.

Sometimes, little bits of beauty spring unanticipated before us in life—a sunrise on the way to work, the way the light catches a city skyline,  the sound of a child laughing, an unexpected breeze.  To see these things, and to think of how God gave them to us without ever asking, is sometimes more beauty than we can bear.

Today, after you have got in your prayer position and calmed your mind,  take a moment to think about times in your life when you have believed your prayers were  answered. Write them down

Are there any times you thought that your prayers were not answered? What were they?

Why do we think that God answers us one time the way we expect, but not at another time?

Read Habakkuk 3:17-18 

How did the prophet respond when his prayers were not answered? 

Read James 5:13-20 

 What examples of answered prayers does James mention?  How many can you find?

 

Lord, help me to believe in Your Goodness when I do not see the answers to my prayers.  Help me to remember the many times I have sought You and found You, and the many ways You have demonstrated Your love to me.  Help me to remember that You desire the best for me, and long to give me all things—will give me all things in heaven.  Just as I believe in the sun when it is not shining, and believe in the rain when it is not raining, help me to believe in Your love even when I cannot see Your blessings.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen