Am I Talking to the Wall?

The Question:

Does God actually hear the prayers that I offer?  This is the age old question asked by many people from various walks of life.  Whether it is a prayer murmured before a game, a prayer uttered for a future spouse, or a prayer offered for good health, one may still wonder if it is actually being heard by God.

The Doubt:

The reason that there is room for doubt to creep into one's mind, concerning the receiving of prayer by God, is largely due to the manner in which said prayers are answered(see footnote*).  As mortal beings are bound to time, and ultimately the fate of death, there is a natural earnestness for expediency when one's desires are at stake.  A quick, and obvious, response to prayer is usually expected, but not always given; since the answer might not be given until a future date, since it might be given in a subtle response, or since it may even be just a simple 'no', one may begin to reason that the prayers are even heard and received by God.

The Promise:

 Fortunately, there is more evidence to work on than simply 'God works in mysterious ways' when answering the question about God hearing, and answering, prayer; quite a bit more, actually.  There are several scriptures providing assurance that prayers are indeed heard by God**.  James 1 says that God will give wisdom to those who ask.  James 5 says to pray when you are suffering(vs13).  It also states in verse 14, and verse 16, that prayer will restore the sick, and also that the prayer of the righteous will accomplish much.  1 John 5:14 states even clearer that Christians can have confidence that God will hear their prayers.  These scriptures indicate that God not only hears prayer, but that He also answers prayer.

The End:  

Sometimes it can be easy to become discouraged, feeling alone and lost, and thinking there is nobody there to help. But take courage because there is somebody who is always there to listen to your struggles and sorrows.  He will help you through the hardest times of your life, because He understands who you are, what you are, and what you need. God does indeed hear your prayers; they are not muffled and trapped by mankind's structures, and they do not dissipate into the atmosphere.  So the next time you are praying in your car, in a closet, or maybe even in a shower, have faith that your words are not falling upon deaf ears, but rather know that they are being received by your Creator who loves and cares for you.

 

* This blog does not intend to offer a conclusion on the manner in which prayers are answered.
** I feel the need to restate that this blog is not intended as an explanation of how prayers are answered, but simply that God does hear prayers. 

The Right Way to Suffer

1 Peter 3:17 -
"For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong"


The Dilemma

'But, I was good!  I did what I was supposed to do. I have always done what I was supposed to do.  Why am I being punished for doing what is good?'

Have you ever found yourself asking this question? I can think back to times in my life where this question came to mind when I was facing consequences of which I felt were undeserved.  When you make every attempt to do things right, and still you face tribulation and hardship, it can seem unfair.

The Truth

The fact of the matter is, you may be a really good person, and still have bad things happen to you.   Suffering is an inevitable part of life on this earth. To Christians, Peter is saying that if God should so will you to suffer, it is best to go through the suffering for doing what is right.  The alternative would be to suffer as a consequence of your own sin. And Peter plainly states that there is no credit for patiently enduring ill-treatment that you brought on yourself. 

The Hope

The great thing about righteous suffering is that there is value found within; it is pleasing to God, and you are blessed for doing so.  Peter even states one chapter earlier, in chapter two, that you actually find favor with God for patiently enduring unjust suffering.

This coincides directly with the thought that is portrayed in Romans 8:28. All things truly do work together for good to them that love God.  Is it not a great feeling to know that even in the face of unjust suffering, you can still bring glory to God, and blessings upon yourself?  There is no better thing that the created man can do for his Creator

The End

So the next time you find yourself saying "Why me?", think about the opportunity you are being presented, and what you can accomplish.  Do not be shocked when bad things happen in your life. You must face that, even while living an obedient Christian life, you are still living in the world. But take comfort that there are blessings for those who suffer for righteousness sake.