Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Why does God take so long?




           
image by gerait
Did you ever wonder why God takes so long to answer some of your prayers, while others—mighty few, if you ask me—get answers right away? Me too. 
 
            According Psalm 138:3, the Lord answered David on the very day he called. “On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul” Psalm 138:3 (NRSV).

God’s answer was to increase David’s boldness and strengthen his soul. He didn’t immediately rescue David from his enemies, but the fresh courage he gave David provided an answer in itself. God took away David’s fears so that he could confidently say, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” 

           
I always want God to fix every problem in my or my loved one’s lives immediately. Heal the disease right now—no more pain or suffering, please. Open a door for a new job today—no more living from paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet. Fix the relationships that are broken this minute—make us understand and accept each other and act like adults.

            He rarely comes through that fast. I often say to myself or others, “Why does God take so long?” I generally have to stand fast in faith for days, weeks, even years before I see the changes I want. 

            But he does answer me on the day I call. By offering me his supernatural courage and strength, He makes me bold. He causes me to stand up on the inside, rather than crumpling in defeat. I know he loves me. I know he listens when I call. That assurance gives me the confidence I need to say, with David, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.”

image by Alexas fotos
            Father, please increase your strength in my soul. Help me believe you’re at work even when it doesn’t look like circumstances are changing for the better. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Are you standing in faith for something today that makes you wonder, "Why does God take so long?"  How can I agree in prayer with you?

11 comments:

  1. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

    We can count it as slow, but it’s just on time. God knows things. He sees around corners. He sees tomorrow. We see in part and we ask by what we see or think we know,

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  2. Jeanette: <“Why does God take so long?”> I have often wondered that. Part of the answer I have found is that sometimes we or the persons we are praying for are not quite ready to receive what we ask for, in God's eyes.

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    1. So true, Cecelia1 And since God is a gentleman, he will not violate our free wills. Thanks for your wise comment!
      Jen

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  3. Hi Jen! I really like Sandi's scripture response. I am very impatient, and always want that answer RIGHT NOW!! Patience is a virtue that needs work in my life all the time.
    Congrats on your book being an Amazon best seller! You work so hard, it's great to see your work come to such success :)
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  4. God knows what we need but we wait for the phone or email to tell daughter she has a job. Still waiting and praying and believing for answers. Life's not easy but we have the hope and his love that guides us through our lives.

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  5. Ouch, I can relate. Impatience, living in an earthly time frame :) God is not slow, but patient!

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  6. Hi Jen - Daniel immediately came to mind. The angel told Daniel he was dispatched as soon as he prayed. Alas, another angel (Michael) had to run interference because of a heavenly battle. Perhaps some of our answers take time because the enemy doesn't want us to have them.

    Also, sometimes we don't recognize the answer when it comes because we have a preconceived idea of what it should be.

    Hugs,
    Suze

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  7. I actually just heard A. Wommack talk along these lines in a series I'm listening to. :) Appreciate you sharing your thoughts and insight. No matter what, God is faithful!

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.