Did God create the world, all forms of life and set up all things in motion according to the laws of nature then sit back to watch what would come of it? Sometimes it seems that way. Back in the day Doris Day sang words that went, “whatever will be will be, the future is not ours to see, Que Sera Sera”. Have you ever absent-mindedly made a request to God then sub-consciously walked away thinking as Doris Day did might shield you from disappointment?
Classical deism, associated with the extreme rationalism of the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, held that God did create this world but then walked away leaving humanity to their own devices and the laws of nature. In Jesus’ day, the deeply religious Sadducees did not believe in angels or spirits, the resurrection or an afterlife, or that individual communication with God had any merit which also classified them as Deists. Later Thomas Jefferson and other founding fathers also held that belief. Churches today actually practice deism although they may not know or claim it.
Prayer in and of itself can be nothing more than pious words or wishful thinking. Jesus’ brother James emphatically stressed a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven (James 5:15, NLT2). What activates an answer to prayer is not eloquent religious or repeated words. It is the conviction that God does reward (instead of piousness, hopeful fantasy or religious practices) that produces results for whatever is prayed including the forgiveness of sins. The Bible says it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (Hebrews 11:6, NLT2). No matter what our culture or religious world may think, say or do, God not only created all things, He also actively keeps all things in His control—even when it feels like His ways hurt us more than help us.
I certainly do not understand all of God’s ways or why some prayers are not answered. But I am certain unanswered prayers do not mean He is detached, hard of hearing, looking the other way or ignoring my prayers or the very bleak situation! I have lived long enough to experience one reason for not answering prayer is that a bleak situation may be only a part of a bigger picture that when mixed with all elements is for a greater good. Connie, my wonderful wife, has struggled with a life-threatening blood disorder since last November. We, along with many others, are continuing to pray for her need. While we are most grateful and praise God for each sign of progress, we also know things could turn bad for us. Amid that we both have a strong, uncanny peace that whatever He allows in our future will be for good, ours as well as everyone watching us journey through this cloudy season. It is like holding each other closely yet loosely allowing God’s love and wisdom to be manifest through it. For us it is not a matter of whatever will be will be for us. It is whatever will be will be well orchestrated by our awesome God and will be perfect—no matter what temporary effect it has on our mind or emotions.
I urge each person to seriously consider just what your practice reveals you believe about God. Does it show you are convinced God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1, NLT2), or does it show you subconsciously believe He rarely if ever intervenes in the life of humans today? Do you intentionally mix spirit faith that God hears and is ready to help with your prayers or do you mouth words you have been indoctrinated to say?
This is so good! Years of prayers and now seeing God move and define my life. I FEEL HIM covering me. Thank you for your Faithful Leadership! Blessings to you and Connie