Charles Spurgeon once said "Prayer is never futile but powerful. You may not always get what you ask for, but you will always have your need supplied. When God does not answer according to the letter, He answers according to the spirit...let faith and patience have their perfect work"
I received an e-mail yesterday from Melanie, a dear friend, who had this godly perspective:
"Once again I'm compelled to respond to the “unanswered” healing prayer. I prayed without ceasing for my precious husband to get well as he courageously battled his multiple myeloma. True to God’s character He answered my prayer with His gracious ultimate healing for my husband. The Word says in Revelation that there will be not more
disease in heaven. I’ve learned that indeed God does answer healing prayer in one of 3 ways. Immediately, gradually or ultimate. I’ve come to believe my sweet husband got God’s best! "
We see Jesus pray "Yet, Lord not my will but your will be done" Can it be said that Jesus had doubts? Absolutely not. He asked for deliverance with such intensity that He sweat drops of blood. He offered His petition but it was His Father's will to do as He saw best. As He prayed there in the Garden, He was comforted and strengthened through His prayers , to be able to endure what was ahead. God The Father supplied what the Son needed to persevere. So it is with us. Prayer unleashes God's power for us to persevere and find strength to endure. He may not remove the situation, but He gives us the strength to move through it and endure. It is through situations such as that, that we intimately encounter God. When we discover His sufficiency to carry us through, we encounter the glorious Lord.
Mr. Chapell writes : "We affirm similar faith when we pray, 'Lord, I know that you can do all things'. In my human wisdom I make this request, but you know the end from the beginning. Hear my prayer and do what you know is right."
God is right all the time. His goodness towards us is not based on our faith or our devotion...but on His character. All that He does is good and right and just. As Melanie discovered, her prayer was answered, ultimately and immeasurably better than she could have asked for. As we believe in God's sovereignty, we can ask but must understand we have a limited view.
Exodus 15:11 says "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Psalm 71:19 "Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?"
"Father, there is no one like you! You alone are God...your ways are not our ways. You alone are worthy of all our praise and trust. You set the boundaries and know the end. You have purposed to bring glory to yourself from the weakest vessels and catastrophic events. Yet you have not abandoned your people. You promise to never leave or abandon us. Though at times we feel burdened and overwhelmed, your have promised that is we cast our burdens on you, you will carry them. What a gracious promise from a heavenly King. Who are we that you should even respond? But you delight in showing yourself to us. Your great pleasure is mercy and justice. We cling to that regardless of what we see...by faith we trust in your wisdom and plans. May we plead our case at the Throne of Grace and rest in knowing that you work all things for good for those that love you and are called" Amen.
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