There have been times in my Christian walk where, if I am being honest, I have been tempted to think: “Why won’t God just answer my prayers?” I can tend to look at a situation and think I know what would be best and assume that I know what God should do. Really, how foolish is that?
Recently, while reading through the Gospels, I was struck with this thought — there are times God isn’t ultimately concerned with what I want Him to do.
Let’s look at Peter, one of the most crucial leaders of the early church. First, he tells Jesus He shouldn’t go to Jerusalem to be delivered over to the Jews. Jesus rebukes him and essentially calls him the devil. Later, when Jesus is being betrayed, Peter pulls out his sword and cuts off a dude’s ear! What does Jesus do? He stays calm and allows those men to take Him in.
Now, let’s look at the Crucifixion. Jesus was hanging on the cross while people mocked Him, reviled Him, and said they would believe in Him if he saved Himself. Jesus’ own mother (who was near to the cross) watched her first born son, her little baby boy (who was promised to rule the nations and save Israel), be tortured and mocked. How terrible do you think those moments were for Mary? How desperately do you think she prayed for Him to be saved?
But, Jesus was not done. Three days later, He arose from the dead and fulfilled a plan that had been laid out from the beginning of time! He conquered death and took away the sins of the whole world, bringing us into a right relationship with God.
Be encouraged Christian — God has big plans. When we don’t get what we want it’s for good reason. Thank God He doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want! I’m so grateful to worship a God who has big plans and sees a better future than I could ever imagine.
In Him,
Austin
Posted in A Word from the Pastor