Matthew 21:21-22
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Jesus says IF you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Well, I can tell you I recently asked for a miracle, and it did not happen. I believed that God could do it, and I begged for Him to breathe life into a hopeless situation. I talked with God and asked Him to restore the life of an unborn baby that had recently been conceived. I expressed my hopes to increase the faith of the parents who had just found out from the doctor that the pregnancy was not viable. I spoke to God, acknowledging that He had final say and that remarkable things could happen IF He recovered this beautiful life. And He didn’t. I was crushed. My heart was broken, not only for myself but for the parents of the child. I became concerned with how this would affect their faith. I questioned my own belief.
At first I didn’t understand, and I asked questions…believe me I asked questions!
I asked why God did not answer my prayer. I wasn’t angry, I just didn’t understand. Situations like this often turn people away from or even against God. This could have happened to me…BUT GOD reminded me of some things. 1) He is in control. He makes the decisions about life and death. 2) He is all-knowing. 3) This situation is much bigger than what I see.
He reminded me of His promises to work everything out for the greater good for those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) And I believe in Him, and I trust in His plans even more now than I did before this happened. Even though this mountain did not move, I am determined to remain faithful to the One who moves mountains. I surrender to His good and perfect Will!
Dear God, Thank You for being ever-present and willing to listen to our prayers. When we believe we have faith to move mountains and the mountains don’t move, help us to remember to have faith in Your greater plans. Lord, we trust You to provide all we need while we wait on Your good and perfect plans. In Jesus Name, Amen
