 Had a tough question asked the other day. Dr. Jerry Falwell went to be with the Lord. He had publicly stated in an interview a few months ago that he was asking God for twenty more years to complete his ministry on earth. The question, why didn't God answer the prayer of this godly man?
One of the greatest mysteries that face the believer is that of unanswered prayer. There are some wonderful promises in the Bible about prayer and God's promise to answer that prayer. Like this one: 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 7:8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Yet we all know godly people like Jerry Falwell who have experienced unanswered prayer. Yet we need to be careful at this point. I think God answers every prayer but sometimes the answer is not what we would like it to be. Sometimes God says no. God will always answer our prayers in the environment of His will. 5:14 And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: God would never give us something that would harm us, He loves us too much. Sometimes in our ignorance we ask for things that would eventually lead to our hurt. 7:9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; 7:10 or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent? 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Note the verse our Father in heaven will give us good things. Sometimes we ask but we ask in error. May God give us the grace and the wisdom to pray according to His will. God answered Jerry Falwell's prayer by doing what was best for him. I know if Dr. Falwell could tell us right now, he would say, "God knows best." Hope you are not struggling with unanswered prayer. If you are remember God loves you and will only do what is best for you.
 This book by Philip Yancey is great book on prayer. He devotes much space to the struggle with unanswered prayer. He is very open and honest about his own struggles with unanswered prayer. Why does God heal one person while allowing another to die? I appreciate his honesty and his determination not to throw out trite answers to tough questions. If you want a book that will stretch you on the subject of prayer I recommend reading this, but it is not for the faint of heart. If you one simple religious sounding solutions this is not the book for you, but if you are willing to think and submit to God's word this book could be a great help.
Have a great evening.:) Hope to see you in the morning at church, Chris starts his new series on the church. |
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