Often times we put out messages and posts to our prayer warriors requesting prayer. Sometimes we ask for prayer over events that we put on for our veterans. Praying over travel. Safety. Fellowship. Praying for the Holy Spirit to be present. Praying that lives are changed. Other times we will put out prayer requests that have been sent our way. People with health issues. Anxiety issues. Sometimes people looking for prayer about decisions they have to make. And other times, we put out prayer requests that are unspoken. People asking for prayers about situations only they know of. Whatever the situation may be, we do this because we believe in the power of prayer. Well…at least we say we do.
Now, I want you to think about this for a minute. And be honest with yourself. Have there been times that you prayed and did not truly expect something? For example, have there been times that you prayed for a miracle but you really didn’t believe it would happen? Have you prayed putting things in God’s hands, but really didn’t think he would do anything about it? Why do we do that? Why is it that we say we believe, but really don’t believe it’s going to take place? I’m not really sure what the answer is. Because I do believe in the power of prayer. And I believe God answers prayers. And I also believe God answers prayers by not answering them. It’s not for us to understand his will. But it is for us to understand and believe that his will is the best for us.
During a conversation with one of our supporters/prayer warriors, he made a comment to me, “Be careful of what you ask for. Because you’re going to get it.” We were talking about my gratitude for those around me holding me accountable. It made me think of this statement as well, “Be careful what you pray for, because chances are you’re going to get it.” There is so much truth in this. I remember in 1994, I was trying to figure out my direction in life. I kept feeling the pull back towards coaching basketball. I prayed about it one day. And I kid you not, I got a phone call that night from a woman asking me to coach their schools high school boys and girls basketball teams. Clearly an answer to prayer. I also remember a time where I prayed for God to give me the suffering that my son was going through. Let me take his pain. And boy did he. My son began to thrive. And I suffered for months on end. I would gladly do that again. The point I am trying to make here is, let’s pray “expecting” God to answer. Let’s pray fully. Let’s pray with our hearts truly seeking him to take hold of our prayers. And be ready. The answer may not be what you want it to be. But be ready. He answers prayers. Sometimes as visible as the phone call that I received. And other times invisibly because he’s not going to give you what you ask. Either way, remember this. God’s will and plan is the best for us. Because he loves us. He always has. He always will.
