November 3, 2023
Topic: HONOURING GOD IN THANKSGIVING FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS
Text: 2 Chronicles 7:11-16
Memory Verse: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Many Christians battle with the problem of God not answering their prayers, but God does answer prayers. We are the problem, because some of us already pre-determine what the answer to our prayers should be even before we pray. Thus when God answers, we are sometimes not ready to accept the answer because it is contrary to our expectation.
Some years ago, I was in a bus, when a man sitting by my side told me that her daughter just got a job with a company whose office we had just passed. He mentioned the salary offered and within me, I claimed a job for my daughter in that company. Few months after, my daughter was looking for job. She applied to the company without my knowledge. I only came to know about it when she was going for the series of interviews. Eventually, she was told that she was among the successful candidates. I thanked the Lord within me thinking that God had affirmed my desire of some months back.
Collecting the letter of appointment became a problem. She was tossed between the Head Office and the branch office. When there was no breakthrough, I advised her to forget about the job. God, who moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, gave my daughter a far better job with a well-established Organisation two months later. To Him be glory and honour. I had my own wish, but God had His own plan.
Our God answers prayers in His own way and at His own time. Let us learn to pray rightly and according to His will. When we are confused, let us surrender to Him that His will be done. Let us remember that “His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways” (Isaiah 55:8). God has our interests at heart always. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:17).
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for answering our prayers. Whatever answer we receive, grant us the grace to accept because your plan is always the best for us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.