We have so many unanswered questions about prayer and about God's will. We know that God' will supersedes our requests if there is a conflict between the two, and we can accept that...most of the time.
But what about those times when things happen that we just don't see God's hand in? Or when we know that godly people have prayed for results very different than what they are experiencing? How do we keep on trusting when we go through those kind of very difficult times?
Robert and I made a quick trip to Albuquerque this weekend just to get away. This morning we took a walk along the Rio Grande in an area the city has established for walkers and bicycle riders. We determined we were going to get to a set mark and took off. It was a pretty area and we started off enthused. But after we'd walked about 1/2 way to our predetermined goal our feet started to tire and it was h-o-t! It seemed a little less important to me to make the goal---the walk wasn't that much fun anymore---conditions weren't that great. It wasn't really even that pretty anymore! But just about that time, our goal came into sight. It wasn't that far off---and seeing the goal made all the difference. It was just as hot, and my feet still hurt, but all of a sudden I had renewed energy---every step took me closer to the goal and the negative conditions were not as obvious to me.
I think, in my simplistic mind, that is what God is asking of us in the hard times...in the times when we just don't understand, and everything around us just doesn't seem all that pretty any more. To see through our reborn eyes our goal...our goal of getting through this life where we will have troubles, (John 16:33, " In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world") and with every step we take, getting closer to our real life. Our life where we will pass out of this fallen state in a world separated from God's perfection and live in perfect harmony with Him forever.
But what about those times when things happen that we just don't see God's hand in? Or when we know that godly people have prayed for results very different than what they are experiencing? How do we keep on trusting when we go through those kind of very difficult times?
Robert and I made a quick trip to Albuquerque this weekend just to get away. This morning we took a walk along the Rio Grande in an area the city has established for walkers and bicycle riders. We determined we were going to get to a set mark and took off. It was a pretty area and we started off enthused. But after we'd walked about 1/2 way to our predetermined goal our feet started to tire and it was h-o-t! It seemed a little less important to me to make the goal---the walk wasn't that much fun anymore---conditions weren't that great. It wasn't really even that pretty anymore! But just about that time, our goal came into sight. It wasn't that far off---and seeing the goal made all the difference. It was just as hot, and my feet still hurt, but all of a sudden I had renewed energy---every step took me closer to the goal and the negative conditions were not as obvious to me.
I think, in my simplistic mind, that is what God is asking of us in the hard times...in the times when we just don't understand, and everything around us just doesn't seem all that pretty any more. To see through our reborn eyes our goal...our goal of getting through this life where we will have troubles, (John 16:33, " In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world") and with every step we take, getting closer to our real life. Our life where we will pass out of this fallen state in a world separated from God's perfection and live in perfect harmony with Him forever.
1 Corinthians 2:9, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
1 comment:
That was such a good analogy of life, it's struggles and with enduring faith we can continue on. With prayer to reinforce that God is with us always and when our life on earth ends, we will have a new life in Heaven. We don't know God's will, but we do have our own free will to try and follow God's Word and his lessons that are taught in the bible. The only control we have is over our own free will. We control our desire to believe and follow God. I know God hears me when I pray. And, I know he is with me as I endure this life. Each time we pray, God renews our hearts. Thank you again Janice for establishing this wonderful blog. I look forward to each day to read your comments and insights, I am closer to God and His love today.
Post a Comment