September 21, 2011 In His Time

In His Time, In His Will
Read Luke 18 - 19

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

DO YOU wonder “Why pray if God has everything planned?” Yes, God has his plans: Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
You see, God will give you what you desire, but it may not look like what you desire. Jesus’ point here is that as we pray, God will gradually answer your requests in the way it benefits you within his plan for you.
For example, if a child comes to you requesting a treat before “treat time” you will say, “Not now. But at 10 o’clock you can have a piece of fruit.” You have a plan to nourish your child. But you will not put your plan into action if he doesn’t ask.
Now he’s asked. You, as the all-knowing adult give to the child in order to answer his request within your plan to care for him. The child’s treat may not be as he originally wanted. But it will be an answer to his request. And it will be a gift to the child within your view of what’s good for him. Even if you say, “No, wait until lunch time.” you will still answer his request for food.
In a like manner, God plans good things for you in his timing and in his purpose for you. He wants you to participate in his giving by requesting from him, so you see him as a loving Father in his giving to you.
He may not give you what you want when you want. But Jesus says to persevere in your prayer and trust God’s answer in his time and in his will.


Pause and Consider: how wonderful it is that your Creator God desires you pray and seek his will for you.