Pastor's Column 6/23/2024

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Three different times I begged Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need.”  My power works best in weakness…” That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9a; 10, NLT                                             

“Better, Because Of…”

It is definitely true that many of our prayers go unanswered. The notion that every petition we seek is granted, does not accord with the depths of Scriptural truth. It is true, however; that we are invited and encouraged to ask God for the things we desire; but this is our privilege as children of our God. Because God is far more familiar with our needs, not every request will be granted. The answer to our prayerful desires will, at times, be different than what we anticipated. A denial of the things we ask for, is not a refusal for what we really need. Sometimes our desires are incongruent with our specific needs. Perhaps if Solomon, when given an opportunity to ask God for what he wanted; had asked for riches and fame, he would not have received these things as abundantly as he did. Solomon asked for wisdom and guidance to lead the people of his nation, and God granted him that and much more. Even in granting us with the things we need, we must be careful how we use our resources; so lives reflect God’s character. Of course, Solomon veered off the path morally, in many ways. There is never a time in life, when God decides to deny us a petition; where something more beneficial is not given.  We are inevitably better, when God intervenes to grant us what is truly efficacious. God is always on the side of our needs. David was keenly aware of this, where we are instructed to pray for God, “to give me the desires of my heart.” Close examination of this petition suggests, David is actually asking God to “place in his heart what he should desire.” (Psalm 37:4, Amplified). Paul’s testimony, is that the sincerity of our desires is met by God’s greater purpose for us. How God resources us is better than all we could ask for!