God Will Answer

Elijah prayed to die. After seeing a great demonstration of the awesome power of God, clothed in His faithfulness to His servant's prayer, Elijah was swayed by the threats of a godless voice promising to take his life within twenty-four hours. He ran for his life. This demonstrated the vulnerability and the fragile nature of the human spirit. But God didn't answer as Elijah had requested. He had bigger plans for him, and protected him from himself. In the process God was glorified.

Nehemiah was burdened by the bad news from his homeland. He grieved and prayed to God and made the unusual request that he might find favor in the presence of the king. What could have resulted in the loss of his life turned out to be a great blessing to the people of Israel. The prayer was granted just as Nehemiah requested. According to God's plan, the walls of Jerusalem rose to stand as a witness to a faithful God. And, He was glorified.

Habakuk accused God of being indifferent to his prayers, of being deaf to the words he lifted up to Him again and again. He hated the injustice he witnessed. He said, "Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." (Habakuk 1:3, NIV) His prayer was met by God as He instructed Habakuk, "Just wait. You'll see." God was glorified.

Is there a great burden YOU have been lifting to God day after day? Could it be that God is saying, "Just wait. You'll see," even as you pray? Perhaps you have presented a need to God that He is willing to answer, "just as you ask." Are you willing to pray until that answer comes? Or, maybe you have prayed while in the grips of negative emotional influence, clouding your mind to reality. Will you trust God to protect and care for you? If you will, God will be glorified.

In each instance, God demonstrated His faithfulness. He still does. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)