When my children ask something of me, they expect an answer. Then they anticipate the fulfilling of that answer. As children of God we should do no less. We should anticipate great things from our great God. We should never expect anything from ourselves, but we should expect everything from God! We should expect Him to hear our cries so much so that we are looking with anticipation all around us for His answer and provision.
Bible teacher, Henry Blackaby says, “After we pray, whatever happens next is God’s answer.” Wow. I often miss the magic. I sometimes miss God’s loving response to my prayer because I don’t anticipate a reply.
The bible teaches us that believing is seeing. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). We must believe in order to see God’s provisions. Let me ask you what I often ask myself. “Do you hope God will answer your needs or do you see God’s generous hand at work in your life? Do you wait with expectancy or do you doubt His provision?” Grant it He may be slow at responding, but He’s always right on time.
We will see God when we anticipate His involvement in our lives. We will see Him when we can say, “His answer and provision may come slow, but they are sure to come, and I will wait with expectation.”
Your post is Devine Timing!! Needed this so much this morning!!! I read a portion of this yesterday on FB, but due to an interruption, I wasn’t able to finish it. Laying in bed last night I reflected on what I had read. Thankfully your email was waiting for me this morning so I could finish taking in what God surely meant for me to receive. We are in a challenging season with our son and really needed this!! THANK YOU!!!
I’m so thankful the Lord used my post to speak to you! I’ve prayed for you son and the challenges you are facing.
Good evening Micca. Thank you for sharing this message. I am struggling with this concept right now and don’t know what to do. I so want to believe that God knows what is in my heart but unanswered prayers tell me otherwise.
I have been waiting for a husband who has yet to show up. In my 20s, I felt that God was saying “not right now” but I believed it would happen. I continued to walk in the direction of my desires and bought a house believing the husband would come later. Several years later I was faced with a medical crisis that placed my ability to deliver children at risk. With no prospect of a husband on the horizon, I again believed God was saying ‘not right now’. I chose to have a child via anonymous donor believing my husband would come later. Perhaps this experience was needed to move to the next stage. Well, my son is 6 years old and I’m still single.
During these years, I have focused on living my life and being grateful. I have not been sitting around feeling sorry for myself. Raising a child has brought me immense joy. However, I still desire a husband. I’ve watched many friends meet men, get engaged and marry in a span of 2-3 years. I’ve seen people divorce, meet someone new and remarry. Yet, in all these years, I’m still single.
If God knows what is in my heart, how is it possible he has not answered this one prayer?
Soraya, It sound like you have a great trust relationship with the Lord. I’d say keep trusting Him and allowing Him to lead your life. Sometimes we need to ask God what His desires are, and then, align to His will. We can ask for what we think is our hearts desire when God really knows what our heart longs for. Praying with you.