imported_rachel
11-20-2006, 10:30 AM
To grow as a Christian means to become closer and develop a more
intimate relationship with God. This relationship begins when we are
born into His family - when we ask Him to forgive our sins through
faith in Jesus and begin what is intended to be an eternal communion of
love. He desires for us to trust Him in ALL things and pray to Him on
all occasions; "In everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).
Jesus promised that our prayers will be heard and answered; "Ask and
you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24). But as
we lift up our requests, we can sometimes become confused by God's
response. We often perceive His answers to be slow in arriving, or
we're disappointed with His reply; we even begin to doubt if God even
hears our prayers.
But we must remember that we have entered into an eternal relationship
with the Sovereign Creator of the Universe! Underlying all our prayers
must be the firm belief that "in all things, God works for the good of
those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). God always has a plan, and His plan
is very, very good! We must trust that His answer to our prayers will
meet our true need (and fulfill our deepest desire) much better than we
could ever hope or imagine.
A short time after Jesus was crucified, Peter and John were confronted
by a crippled man sitting beside the Temple gate begging for money.
Acts 3:6
"Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give
you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.'"
Until that day, the crippled man had never walked a single step. In
his limited view of the world, the only hope he had for a better life
was to be given a little money by those passing by. His request was
limited by what he could see and understand - limited by his faith.
Our loving Father always hears our prayers - and He always
answers. His answer to prayer is either yes, no, or wait...and
sometimes He answers with, "Here my child, I have something much better
for you."
God's view of our needs (and His view of the entire world) is much
higher and grander than our own. We generally see our need as the
solution to some short term problem, but our true need is always to
grow by drawing closer and loving Him more. Let's take our eyes off
the crutches we think will "fix" our problem and look instead to the
One who is calling, to the One who patiently says, "Trust Me and come
into My presence as you arise and walk!"
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
************************************************** ***
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive06.htm
Subscribe/Unsubscribe by email to devotions@gdwm.org
Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm
intimate relationship with God. This relationship begins when we are
born into His family - when we ask Him to forgive our sins through
faith in Jesus and begin what is intended to be an eternal communion of
love. He desires for us to trust Him in ALL things and pray to Him on
all occasions; "In everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).
Jesus promised that our prayers will be heard and answered; "Ask and
you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (John 16:24). But as
we lift up our requests, we can sometimes become confused by God's
response. We often perceive His answers to be slow in arriving, or
we're disappointed with His reply; we even begin to doubt if God even
hears our prayers.
But we must remember that we have entered into an eternal relationship
with the Sovereign Creator of the Universe! Underlying all our prayers
must be the firm belief that "in all things, God works for the good of
those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). God always has a plan, and His plan
is very, very good! We must trust that His answer to our prayers will
meet our true need (and fulfill our deepest desire) much better than we
could ever hope or imagine.
A short time after Jesus was crucified, Peter and John were confronted
by a crippled man sitting beside the Temple gate begging for money.
Acts 3:6
"Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give
you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.'"
Until that day, the crippled man had never walked a single step. In
his limited view of the world, the only hope he had for a better life
was to be given a little money by those passing by. His request was
limited by what he could see and understand - limited by his faith.
Our loving Father always hears our prayers - and He always
answers. His answer to prayer is either yes, no, or wait...and
sometimes He answers with, "Here my child, I have something much better
for you."
God's view of our needs (and His view of the entire world) is much
higher and grander than our own. We generally see our need as the
solution to some short term problem, but our true need is always to
grow by drawing closer and loving Him more. Let's take our eyes off
the crutches we think will "fix" our problem and look instead to the
One who is calling, to the One who patiently says, "Trust Me and come
into My presence as you arise and walk!"
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
************************************************** ***
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive06.htm
Subscribe/Unsubscribe by email to devotions@gdwm.org
Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm