Recognizing Answered Prayers

“And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”    —Mark 2:5

Richard Blackaby tells a story of a time in college when God answered his prayer almost immediately, but he did not recognize the answer when it came. Blackaby was experiencing an exceptionally moving devotional time meditating on the suffering servant passage of Isaiah 53. As he read about the rejection, anguish, and obedience of the servant, he was stirred to pray, “Lord, I want to be that kind of a disciple. I will be your suffering servant, today. If you have a difficult task, a hard to reach person, I’m your man.”

As Blackaby continued communing with the Lord, the phone rang. His roommate answered and spoke with a college acquaintance that wanted to come over and hang out for the evening. This person was a complete social misfit. He found himself severely challenged in social settings and had few friends. One time, trying to fit in and join a conversation, he blurted out, “I haven’t brushed my teeth in two weeks.” As the roommate conveyed the request, Blackaby told him how busy he was and what a wonderful devotional time he was having with the Lord. He asked him to make excuse for him. With a wink of the eye, the roommate conveyed his regrets.

Back to praying, Blackaby asked the Lord, “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted? Oh yes, I was telling you, Lord, if you have a difficult assignment, a hard to reach person, You can call on me. I want to be a suffering servant kind of disciple.” When we pray, it is important that we make the connection between our prayers and what happens next. God may answer our prayers immediately in exactly the way we prayed. At other times, God may answer our prayers in a higher, more glorious fashion. We must practice spiritual concentration to recognize God’s answers.

Sometimes we pray for one thing and receive another. On occasion, the Lord may appear to be busy or “out of town” as His answers are delayed. In these cases, God may be trying to provoke us to persist in prayer. We must keep praying until we receive what we are asking for or something better. Mark 2 tells of the account of four men who brought their crippled friend to Jesus to be healed. Because of the large crowd, they opened a hole in the roof of the house and let the man down in front of Jesus. Their prayer must have been, “Lord, please heal our friend.” Jesus did not immediately answer that prayer but said, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5).

In this passage, we discover a wonderful truth. The four men asked for one thing, and Jesus gave them another! They prayed for physical healing, but Jesus wanted to make the man a child of God for all eternity so he could inherit everything! I remember a minister friend of mine, Rev. Jay Christner, saying, “God always gives us what we ask for or something better.” The challenge is to watch carefully in order to recognize the answers to our prayer when they come.

If you have been earnestly praying for a specific need, make the connection between your prayers and what happens next. If God does not seem to be answering your prayer as you expect, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the answers the Lord is sending. God may want you to persist in prayer. The timing may not be right. God may be developing your character. God may also be giving you something better. Whatever the situation, may the Holy Spiritual give you spiritual insight to recognize answered prayers.

When God Seems Late

“Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”    —John 11:40

A close friend called me the other day to ask for some assistance with a flat tire. She had stopped at the local convenience store/gas station, but the air pump was broken. I immediately dropped what I was doing and ran to help change her tire. On the way, a local tow truck passed me, and I sensed God saying, “You don’t need to change the tire. Simply go to the closest garage and borrow a portable tank of air.” The local garage had a tank that worked like a charm. I was back to my morning schedule after only a few minutes.

If you were caught in a crisis, who would you call? You would probably call someone you felt close to and who would come at a moment’s notice. Mary and Martha were close friends with Jesus. Jesus often stayed at their home in Bethany while visiting Jerusalem. When their brother, Lazarus, was deathly sick, they called Jesus to come and heal Him. The sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3). Something very surprising happened: Jesus waited two whole days before coming to the aid of His friend “whom He loved.”

Jesus arrived four days after Lazarus’ death. I often wonder what Jesus’ absence must have felt like to His beloved friends. Have you ever prayed for God to answer in a time of crisis? Have you waited and waited in fear and agony with no apparent reply? What do we understand about God’s silence? What does one do when God seems late?

In the Experiencing God study (120), Henry Blackaby urges us to settle in our minds that God has forever demonstrated His unfailing love for us on the cross. That love will never change. When God appears to be silent, we often jump to the conclusion that God has forgotten or forsaken us. We may feel God doesn’t care about us or that God is angry and punishing us because of sin.

There are a couple possible reasons for God’s silence when we pray. Firstly, there may be unconfessed sin in our lives. Secondly, God may be preparing us for a greater revelation. This was the case with Lazarus. Jesus told the disciples, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (11:4). Jesus repeated to Mary, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (11:40). As Lazarus and his sisters waited in silent fear and pain, Jesus prepared to display His glory through their lives. A few moments later, Jesus “cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth’” (11:43). Some Christians believe if Jesus hadn’t said Lazarus’ name, every dead person in the world would have come back to life.

If you have been praying and waiting and questioning, anchor your life in the certainty of God’s love for you. Ask Him to search your heart. If the Holy Spirit reveals any hidden sin, turn from that sin and ask for the forgiveness that Jesus purchased for you on the Cross. If God remains silent and seems to be late, then prepare yourself for a new experience with the Lord. God may be preparing you for a greater revelation of Himself. Jesus may be about to call forth your name.

Remember, if God seems late, it’s for a reason only His Love can explain.

Small Acts of Faith

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”    

—Acts 3:6

Arthur was a machinist who had a wife, family, and home but lost it all due to his drinking. He found himself in a line to receive free sandwiches with other homeless folk in the lower east side of Manhattan. Even as a small fight broke out among those waiting in line, the volunteer looked Arthur straight in the eye, said a kind word, and handed him a sandwich. Arthur broke down in tears to such a degree that they called the pastor to come and speak with him.

The pastor moved Arthur to a park bench nearby where he shared his story of losing his job, wife, family, car, and home. That day, Arthur prayed to receive Christ and got up from the bench a changed man. Although he eventually ended up in prison, Arthur never lost his faith in Christ and led several inmates to the Lord. Eventually, Arthur was released from prison, moved to upstate New York, and now works for a Christian ministry.

What made the difference in Arthur’s life? Arthur said it was a peanut butter sandwich and a kind word that was spoken to him. Someone treated him with dignity and kindness. I never cease to be amazed at how delicate and fragile human life is. One minute we can be cruising along, then a phone call or momentary slip later our lives have completely changed. I am equally amazed at the power of a small act of kindness done in faith. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” 

As Peter and John went up to the temple to pray, they came to a lame man asking for money. They had surely seen this beggar before. He had probably become part of the temple furnishings to many persons by this time, but this day was completely different. Peter and John looked him straight in the eye and engaged him in conversation, “Look at us!” they said. The beggar expected to receive some money, but Peter had none. Peter gave him everything he had; he gave him Jesus. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” The healing miracle was definitely not a simple act, but stopping to notice someone, speaking to them, and offering to pray are simple acts, if done in faith, that can transform a life.

There are many Bible stories we teach our children that reflect the power of small acts done in faith. A young slave girl comments that a prophet in Israel could heal her master of leprosy. The Syrian General, Naaman, is healed and God is glorified (2 Kings 5). A small boy shares his sack lunch of two fish and five biscuits with Jesus. Jesus is praised and a crowd of 5,000 men (not counting woman and children) are fed (Matt 6).

Think about how many persons you pass everyday without noticing. Do you realize how fragile and broken their lives are? You may never know how thin the thread is that they are hanging on by. You will never know the difference a friendly look, a kind word, or a small act of kindness done in faith will do unless you stop, look, and act. You may not have great wealth, but give what you have. Give them Jesus. Small acts done in faith with great love will transform lives. Why not give it a try.

Privileged View

“Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see.”    

—Luke 10:23

Alex Haley, the author of Roots, has a picture in his office showing a turtle sitting on top of a fence post. The picture reminds him of a very important lesson: “If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help.” Haley felt indebted to the great leaders who had gone before him paving the way for his success. Sir Isaac Newton reflects this same sentiment in a letter to his rival Robert Hooke, in 1676, “If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."

This past week, I was privileged to attend a men’s gathering near Pittsburgh. The United Methodist Men partnered with Christian Sports International to put on an event with former Steeler greats Jon Kolb, Jeff Hartings, and Robin Cole. After being introduced by the MC, Tom McGough, Robin Cole stood and looked over the less than 100 men gathered and remarked, “You guys are spoiled. You don’t realize what a privilege it is to have this lineup of speakers. This place should be packed.” The event had it all: great planning, a great lineup, and a powerful Christian message, but few took advantage of the opportunity.

Jesus appointed seventy others to go out in pairs to minister in every city He Himself planned to go (Luke 10:1). After commissioning the seventy, Jesus declared judgment upon the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum because of their unbelief. The woes Jesus pronounced were not merely for lack of faith but for unbelief in face of the privileged position of seeing many miracles preformed in their midst. With blessing comes responsibility and accountability.

When the seventy returned from their ministry tour, they joyfully related to Jesus how even the demons were subject to them in His name. Jesus celebrated with them rejoicing in the Holy Spirit that God had revealed these things to them.  Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice so much in ministry successes as in their relationship with God. “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (10:20).

From a relationship with God the Father through Jesus, we and the disciples, have the awesome privilege of seeing and understanding things of the Kingdom that Old Testament prophets and kings longed to see and hear. Jesus’ comments pertained to the seventy but also to us today, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see” (Luke 10:23). If we have experienced the forgiveness that Jesus offers, if we have a family, a church family, a home, and food, we are tremendously blessed above most people of the world and all of history. What a privilege.

Jesus told the disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). With a privileged view, standing on the shoulders of giants, comes great responsibility and opportunity. Many of us have become near-sighted in our view of the world and the Kingdom of God. God wants to show us many more great and miraculous things. We need our eyes opened to see where God is working and plans to work in the world. Seeing from a privileged view calls us to follow. What have you done with God’s blessings? What will you do? Open our eyes, Lord, and let us see from Your shoulders.

Judgers Anonymous

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.”    —Luke 6:37

I attended a church service a few months ago at a growing mega church in another part of the country. We parked next to a three-story dental surgery building in a professional mall. As we walked the block to the church building, a young greeter welcomed and gave us a first-time visitor’s folder. We made pleasant conversation with our host as we waited in a line which had grown to be two blocks long.

As our new friend said goodbye so she could welcome other newcomers, she asked if we needed earplugs. Feeling quite hip and still not over the hill, I assured her we could handle loud music. Another greeter met us and helped us along the line and again offered us earplugs. I began to wonder if I had a sign on my forehead that said, “Over the hill” or “Old and Cranky.” My confidence about handling loud music began to waver after the eighth, ninth, and tenth suggestions for earplugs. The last offer came as we entered the auditorium and ended with the comment, “If you change your mind, all the ushers have earplugs.”

The service began with video announcements of professional advertisement quality that were so loud my chest and ears vibrated with each word. The music began with a similar thunderous boom. Fortunately, words were projected on the screen so I could understand what was being sung. I consider myself to be one of the most accepting and progressive thinking people around, but I could feel a pharisaical spirit rising within me. Why was the music so loud? Did the announcements have to be that loud, too? Everyone seemed to have on a similar uniform, tight jeans and sneakers. I hate wearing tight jeans.

Jesus came and proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom to everyone and anyone who would believe. Romans 14 tells us, “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (17). The Christian faith is not keeping score about how someone behaves or acts. Christians are not called to compare how well others live up to their standard of right or wrong. About now, some of you want to say, “Yes, but…” I’m right there with you. I come out of the charismatic and holiness movements. I am a teetotaler and don’t smoke or chew or date girls who do (Sorry, that just slipped out.).

As I worshipped at this church, I began to realize how judgmental I can be. I look and dress like a guy born in the 1950s. If the songs are too loud or too new and I don’t know the words, I can’t worship well. If the music, especially hymns, is sung too slowly, I often refuse to sing. My walk with the Lord and others should reflect the love and forgiveness that Jesus preached and offers to all. Romans 14 goes on to say, “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (19).

God is doing great works all around us. Some of the folks God is working through may not look like you, dress like you, or act like you. I believe some of us need a group meeting for our addiction. We may not be addicted to drugs, alcohol, or pornography, but we may need a Judgers Anonymous group to overcome that age old foe to the Christian faith, judging. Jesus said, “Do not judge and you will not be judged.” Don’t we pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive others?” Have you recently judged another because of outward appearance or worship style? Have you confessed it? I don’t know of the existence of a JA group, but I may start one. Call or email if want to join. 

Willing and Ready to Hear

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting.”   —James 1:5-6a

Hudson Taylor gives a powerful example of God answering prayers of faith. On his first voyage to China, their vessel ran into several weeks of calm, not even a breeze. The ocean currents were slowly drifting them onto the coast of New Guinea where cannibal savages were lighting cooking fires on shore. The captain said, “We have done everything we can.” Hudson replied, “Well, there is one thing we haven’t done yet, let the Christians on board pray about it.”

Hudson went to his cabin to pray, but felt so confident in prayer that he decided to go up on deck to ask the chief mate, who was not a believer, to let down the mainsail. Hudson believed if they were praying in faith for wind, they should make preparations for the answer. The chief mate refused, but then a small puff of wind caused one of the sails to quiver. With Hudson’s urging, the mate begrudgingly let the sail down just in time to catch a good breeze enabling the ship to miss the coral reef and spare their lives. The full story can be found in “The Exchanged Life” chapter of Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Praying in faith is much more than letting down the sail when praying for wind or carrying an umbrella if one prays for rain. Praying in faith is going to God with the expectation that He will answer our prayers. Additionally praying in faith means being willing and ready to hear and obey what God says. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom we should ask for it from God who gives generously. But verse six goes on to say, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting.” Doubting God in this passage would mean asking for wisdom and then not heeding the answer given by God. If we ask God to show us the way, we must be willing and ready to move in the direction God points us.

I have heard many people ask, “Why should I pray? God already knows what I need.” I believe the old saying, “Prayer changes things.” I also believe sometimes the thing that changes is me. Prayer is not just to get things from God but communing with the Lord and being conformed into the image of Jesus. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Notice that Hebrews 11:6, says that God rewards those who seek Him. It does not say God rewards those who seek things from Him.

Are there areas in your life that you been praying earnestly about to God? Are you praying in faith? By faith, I mean are you willing to hear from God? Are you willing to allow God to change you as well as the situation? Being willing to hear means I desire for God’s will to be done on earth, in my life, as it is in heaven.

Secondly, if you are praying in faith, are you ready to hear from God? If God were to answer your prayer, what would that look like in your life? Why not begin living that kind of life, now? For Hudson Taylor, if God answered his prayer for wind, they would have the main sail let down; therefore, Hudson instructed the chief mate to open up the sail. In many of your lives, God may be waiting for you to prepare for the answer to your prayers which is already on the way. Are you willing and ready to hear from God?

Recognizing God's Voice

“The sheep follow him because they know his voice.”    

—John 10:4

My first successful spring turkey hunt took place with Pastor Tom Zimmerman, May 19, 1994. I vividly remembered the hunt, but I specifically recalled the date because Tom gave me a photo of our hunt with the date on the back. It was late in the season so Tom called with a gobble tube walking all over the mountain to give the impression that he was a tom turkey strutting around the woods.

Earlier that season, I learned to recognize the distinctive sound of a turkey gobbling. Tom would call, and we would listen. As we walked along, I would hear a sound and ask Tom, “Was that a gobble?” “No,” he replied, “I think that’s a dog bark.” Later, I’d hear another sound, “Was that it?” “No, that’s a distant crow.” Being new to Spring Gobbler season, I wasn’t exactly sure what a turkey gobble sounded like in the woods.

Finally, Tom called, and a gobbler replied. There was no question in my mind; I heard it loud and clear. When you hear a big bird aggressively gobble in the spring, there is no mistaking it. I didn’t have to ask, “Is that it?” I knew for sure it was a turkey gobble. From that point on to this day when I am in the woods and hear a turkey calling, I recognize it almost instantly.

Just as I was naïve about turkey hunting, many people are unsure what God’s voice sounds like. God speaks today by the Holy Spirit through circumstances, the Bible, prayer, and the Church, but we often mistake other voices for the voice of God. We see a door for our future close, or a door open for that matter, and we conclude God has spoken. We read a verse in the Bible that seems to fit our situation, and we determine God is using that verse to direct us. The pastor or a church leader makes a comment on one situation, and we believe God intends that message for us.

How can we be sure what God is saying to us? I heard a speaker once say, “If you are a Christian and cannot tell the difference from God’s voice and the voice of the world, your flesh, or the devil, you are in deep trouble.” I liken my early turkey hunting experience to learning to recognize God’s voice. At first when we begin to listen for God’s voice, we tend to think everything and anything might be God speaking to us. After a few times of hearing from God, His voice becomes familiar. When we hear God speak another time and again, we know for certain that it is God.

The Good Shepherd passage of John 10 describes a shepherd calling his sheep. The sheep hear, recognize, and follow their shepherd. Once, I saw this dramatized on a video. Several shepherds brought their different flocks to an oasis in the desert. The sheep became completely intermingled with one another. When it was time to go, each shepherd began to leave giving his own distinctive series of whistles and calls. The sheep recognized their shepherd’s voice and followed him.

In order to recognize God’s voice, you must take the time and practice listening. It also takes a willingness to act on what you hear. John 10:4 says that the shepherd “goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.” If you are truly seeking to hear from God, you must be ready to follow Him. If you come to God listening for His voice with a willing heart to heed whatever He says, I guarantee you will hear and recognize the voice of God. “Did you hear that?” “Was that God?” Maybe. Try it again.