We are sometimes
quick to forget how faithful God really is to His people. God has promised that
if we humble ourselves and seek His face and pray, then God will hear from
heaven and answer our hearts cry. Never get discouraged when problems seem to
be overwhelming, but rather point your faith to Jesus and let Him know that you
are trusting Him to meet every one of your needs. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I hope you will be encouraged by this message that shows God's faithfulness
when prayer is asked in faith with expectation.
A CHILD’S FAITH
The fields were parched and brown from lack of rain, and the crops lay wilting
from thirst. People were anxious and irritable as they searched the sky for any
sign of relief. Days turned into arid weeks. No rain came.
The ministers of the local churches called for an hour of prayer on the town
square the following Saturday. They requested that everyone bring an object of
faith for inspiration.
At high noon on the appointed Saturday the townspeople showed up in masses,
filling the square with anxious faces and hopeful hearts. The ministers were
touched to see the variety of objects clutched in prayerful hands -- Bibles,
crosses, and rosaries were only a few of their faith symbols.
When the hour ended, as if on magical command, a soft rain began to fall.
Cheers swept the crowd as they held their treasured objects high in gratitude
and praise. From the middle of the crowd, one faith symbol seemed to overshadow
all the others; A small 9-year-old child had brought
an umbrella to prove God’s faithfulness.
I do believe God is faithful to answer prayer when we stand strong and believe
that we will receive. Jesus says in Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and
you will have them." We need to remember that we are created in the image
of God. When God spoke to the darkness and said let there be light, there was
light. Just as God's word is received and answered, we should have the same
faith and know that once we ask God anything according to His will, God will be
faithful to answer. (1 John 5:14-15)
There is a great story of God's faithfulness to prayer in 1 Kings 18: 41-45
where Elisha prayed earnestly for rain to come and sent his servant to go
towards the sea to check for any signs of rain. The servant returned and told
Elisha there were no clouds and no sign of rain, but Elisha kept
praying and did not waver in his faith even though the outcome did not look
positive. Elisha went on to send his servant to look for rain seven more times
before the servant came back and told Elisha that he saw a cloud as small as a
man's hand rising out of the sea. Soon after, there came a rain so heavy that
people were not able to stay outside to withstand it.
I want you remember that God is no respecter of persons and just as God met
Elisha's needs because of his unwavering faith, God is faithful to do the same
for us when we stay steadfast and unmoved in Him. The next time you come across
a tough situation and need God's intervention, I encourage you to ask the Lord
in prayer and by faith believe that you have received your answer from the
Lord. Stand strong on God's promise and do not waver in your faith when the
enemy gives you thoughts of worry and defeat.
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Mark 11:24 Jesus says, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask
when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I
will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
James 1:2-7 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let
patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him
ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will
receive anything from the Lord."
All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version.