Have you ever wondered if God is listening when you pray? Ever have the urge to say to Him, “Do You understand I’ve got a serious situation going on here?”
When something is seriously threatening, I often survey the situation, consider my options, act and ask God to help me succeed.
Sometimes I say a quick prayer before I act and ask God to guide me. But all too often, I have already made up my mind before I pray.
My prayer is really more of, “God, here’s the plan. If I don’t have it right, stop me, because I am ready to roll right now.”
If my plan does not work out, then I do pray “harder.” Sometimes I round up some prayer partners, who will agree with me. We pray more.
We believe we are agreeing in prayer. But unfortunately we are just agreeing with each other and trying to get God to agree with us.
Sometimes God seems not to agree. Our serious situation gets even worse. Why? God may be waiting on us to realize we are out of any other option but Him.
Can He save us? Yes.
Will He do it exactly as we ordered Him to do it? No.
There were once three men who had a serious situation. The king had issued a decree that everyone must worship an idol. The men refused to worship any god but God.
The king threatened to throw them into a blazing furnace. It appeared to be his will against theirs. However, the men relinquished their will to The Will of God.
This is what they said to the king.
“We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, The God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your majesty’s hand.
But, even if He does not, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18
They knew God was able. They knew that whether to Heaven or on earth, they would be delivered. They accepted their deliverance might not be on earth. They were unwavering in their allegiance to The One True God.
And with that, the king had them thrown into the furnace. Would you have had the faith these three men had?
How much do you trust God, your Creator? Do you really believe Him when He says,
“For I know the plans I have for you, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
When faced with any situation we have, may we follow the example of the three men in the fiery furnace.
Think of your own life right now. I invite you to pray with me.
“Lord, I know You are able to do anything.
Your Will is perfect.
You have a Plan for my life and You have promised it is a Good Plan, to give me hope and a future.
I know You will provide for me in Your Time and in Your Way.
I trust You, however You choose to carry out The Plan for my life.
I thank You we cannot be separated. I willingly give up anything that might seek to separate me from You.
I love You. I trust You. Your Will be done.”
(And by the way, even though God allowed the men to be thrown into the fire, He was right there with them and He saved them to remain on earth!)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2
“The righteous person faces many troubles, but The Lord comes to the rescue each time!”
Psalm 34:19
