If You Can?

"Our Heavenly Father. We thank You for Your greatness and mindfulness of everything that goes on in our lives. Now, I don't think You will be able to work this out, but this is my prayerful request. . . ."

Can we imagine praying such a prayer? Might we wonder where is the faith in God in such phrasing? Perhaps we can hear the response of Jesus to the man who asked if He could do anything, to have compassion on them and help them. Jesus responded, "If you can! All things are possible for one who believes." ( Mark 9:23 ESV) I must admit I find myself sharing this father's response when he said, "I believe; help my unbelief." ( Mark 9:24) I do have faith, but I am still growing in it as well.

After Herod had James the brother of John put to death, seeing it had pleased the Jews he then had Peter placed in prison with the intent of bringing him out to the people after the Passover. ( Acts 12:1-4) While Peter was imprisoned the church was EARNESTLY PRAYING FOR HIM. ( Acts 12:5) During the night God sent an angel to rescue Peter, leading him out of the prison and to the gate leading into the city. ( Acts 12:6-11) Peter then went to where brethren were gathered together praying. However, what was their response to Peter's coming? Rhoda -- the one who responded to his knock at the door -- got so excited she ran to tell the others without bothering to open it for Peter.

Note the response of those who had been praying.
"(15) They said to her, 'YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND.' But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, 'IT IS HIS ANGEL!' (16) But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, THEY SAW HIM AND WERE AMAZED." ( Acts 12:15-16 ESV)

Every time I read that I wonder, "Well, what was it you were praying for?" Their responses to Rhoda seemed to indicate even though they were praying for Peter, they did not think it possible for Peter to have been delivered from the prison! It just couldn't have been Peter at the door!

Certainly we may not always know what God's Will is or the exact way in which He might work out a particular situation, but when we pray DO WE TRUST GOD TO ACT? If not, why pray? Are we ever SURPRISED when God does work things out as we had hoped or even beyond our expectations? Have we ever merely thought, "Oh, what a coincidence."? I wouldn't suggest that we cease to be "WOWED" by God, but when we do see our prayers answered, let us REJOICE AND PRAISE HIM for the marvelous ways He fulfills His Will on our behalf. We may not always be spared in the midst of life's challenges, but we will ultimately be delivered from this earthly sphere into His eternal realm. May He forever be praised by our life and our words.

Have a great day GROWING IN STEADFAST TRUST IN HIS POWER!
Carl

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