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Unanswered Prayers

Photo by Ryan Franco
If I could see all of you reading this, I would probably see raised hands, knowing nods, and shouts of "amen" would be heard worldwide. Who hasn't had prayers that seem to go unanswered? Several years ago, there was something I really desired for the girls and me. There was a need and I had formulated the perfect fix. So, I presented my well thought out plan to my Father outlining all the reasons He should do things my way, and waited expectantly for His royal stamp of approval. 

Nothing.

After several days went by, I cried out in frustration, "God, I have done everything I know to do to get your attention. I have prayed diligently over this and, Lord, I even fasted for three days. Nothing moves you!" His response? "It's your faith that moves Me." Huh.

Human beings by nature are very manipulative. We know how to manipulate our spouses, parents, children, co-workers, teachers, and so on into getting exactly what we want or feel we deserve from them. Perhaps you pull on your spouse's heartstrings with crying all day, you give your mother the silent treatment, or you decide you are not going to be as helpful at work. Some play wounded dove while others act as if they could not care less.  Frustration comes when we try those scheming tactics on an all-knowing Father who clearly sees our selfish motives and hidden agendas.  James 4:3 explains that "even when you ask you do not receive it because you ask with wrong motives..." God cannot and will not be manipulated.

Picture the wise parent standing back while the spoiled child engages in an adult-size temper tantrum. Some days later, when the anger was replaced with brokenness, the loving Father scooped me up and responded to His now humbled child. It was not at all what I wanted to hear, but it did put me in my place, and we shared a forever bonding, father-knows-best moment. Growth. A deeper relationship, a closer walk. My plan was a huge fail, but God never fails. His plans are so much better than anything we can dream up in our tiny minds. Unshakable faith comes in knowing He has a good plan for your life. Greater faith is accepting and trusting when the answer is no.

"The Lord knows all human plans; He knows that they are futile. Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law..."
Psalms 94:11-12
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