Over the years, I have encountered myriads of people who have become
disillusioned with God for not fulfilling their requests. They have
asked Him, some have even demanded Him, for a certain blessing, but they
did not obtain it.
Many of these truly looked like noble
requests: A healing, a reconciliation ... While others were more geared
to self-interest, such as obtaining wealth or a high position at a
certain corporation. The one thing they all had in common was that none
of these people received what they requested, and none of them were
satisfied with God's "no" answer.
As I pondered this, it struck
me that most of them were seeking fulfillment of their one request
through every means possible. Take requests for healing, for example.
They would ask God to heal them, they would contact various faith
healers, as well as several different churches, in order to guarantee
that their request would be fulfilled.
In talking with every one
of these disillusioned believers, I realized that though they knew OF
God, they didn't really know Him personally. This became very clear the
day someone told me that he actually didn't trust God, but he believed
God had no choice but to answer his prayer. Is anyone surprised that
this person's prayer request went unanswered?
The one thing all
of these people have in common is that none of them show any signs of
realizing that the process is much more important than the fulfillment
of the request itself. After all, what could be more important than
getting to know the King of Kings on a personal level!
Taking the
time to get to know Him makes all the difference in the world. Just ask
the author of Psalms 91:"'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will
rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will
call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will
deliver him and honor him.'" (Psalms 91:14-15, NIV2). This writer saw
the fulfillment of his request!
I can vouch for that as well. My
wife has been going through some tumultuous times since she was
diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer. My request to God was simple:
"Give us Your grace to face this challenge together, and may this be an
opportunity to get closer to You and closer to one another." I have to
say, God has answered this request many times over. The time I have been
able to spend with my wife and God during this past summer has become
the highlight of my year.
You see, it's not all about MY will;
it's about the pure love that flows from God Himself! Is it any wonder
that there are so many disillusioned Christians out there? In insisting
on the outcome to their requests, they are missing the opportunity to
really get to know Him!
Remember: "Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not
dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it
keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV2)
In the
early 1600s, an oak tree was struck by lightning in a village called
Allouville-Bellefosse in France. I am certain that this tree never ever
have requested such an experience, still the lightning burned right
though the centre of the tree, hollowing out its trunk.
The
villagers thought that was the end of the tree. There was no way it
could survive such a trial! But the unexpected occurred. Instead of
dying in self-misery, the oak tree began sprouting new leaves and
producing an abundance of acorns!
The tree's miraculous survival
drew the attention of its neighbourhood. In order to give thanks to the
One who made this happen, two chapels were built in the tree. One at the
bottom, another at the top. A staircase was added in order to give easy
access to the chapel at the top.
Now, more than 400 years later,
that tree is still very much alive. It is so heavy that metal cables
have been placed to keep its branches from breaking. Funny thing is, if
it had not been struck by lightning, it very well might not still be in
existence in our day and age. But it does still exist, a firm, living
testimony that with God, anyone can be an overcomer!
"I have told
you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you
will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John
16:33, NIV2)
Enjoy whatever comes your way. Take it as an
opportunity to experience God fully, and anticipate what God will do for
you next. You are, after all, an overcomer!
Rob Chaffart
The Overcomer. When Suffering Knocks on our Door, Part 2
Today's Bible Verse:
"'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will
protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will
answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor
him.'" (Psalms 91:14-15)
The Overcomer. When Suffering Knocks on our Door, Part 2
Announcement:
Do you need uplifting messages? Are you enjoying devotionals? Visit Scriptural Nuggets and discover
hundreds of messages for all occasions. A real blessing! Scriptural
Nuggets offers its own newsletter as well, The Nugget. If you are
interested in trying out this fantastic newsletter, you may subscribe by clicking
here or by
emailing us.
Enjoy!
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.