2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
Waiting on the Lord, oh my, how many of us have lost patience or became doubtful due to what we perceive as unanswered prayers? We say, "All in God's time" and "Our time isn't necessarily the Lord's time" but in our heart, we are wondering "When, Jesus, will you answer my prayer?
My sisters, who live in MN and SD and I have a weekly Zoom Bible study where we take turns picking a book or choosing a section of the Bible to read and discuss. It was my turn this go around and I chose The Parables by Gary Inrig. Last week we talked about being persistent in prayer. "Sometimes it feels like I am asking for the same thing over and over again. It's like I'm nagging God", one of my sisters said. The book talks about how waiting on the Lord can help us to become more dependent on Him. In our culture of independence, that sometimes feels uncomfortable. And yet we are encouraged to "Knock and the door will be opened". And so we are encouraged to never give up and keep believing that our spiritual needs will be me.
Maybe we won't get what we have been praying for. Maybe the answer will be a no. This is when we can be reminded that the Lord's timing isn't necessarily ours. It's OK to not be patient but to be persistent, to continue to ask and to listen to that small voice of the Holy Spirit who is speaking into our lives. My sisters and I agreed that some of the questions we have or unanswered prayers we pray may need to be answered in heaven.
Questions for Reflection:
- When persistence in prayer results in you feeling discouraged and wanting to give up, how can you stay motivated to continue to pray?
- How does letting go of our expectations for timely answered prayers create closeness to God?
Prayer
Dear understanding and patient God, help me to wait on your timing. Help me to listen to that small voice that directs my life to reveal to me the answer to your prayers. Your wisdom and discernment overshadow any imaginable human ability. You have my best interests at heart and are all powerful and mighty. Thank you for always being with me to guide my life.
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