Day 19:
You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (James 4:2-3)
Faithful prayer hinges on how well we understand the terms belief and doubt. And sometimes we get confused when well-meaning people bombard us with examples of people who prayed for something to happen—displayed unwavering confidence that it would happen—and then sat back and watched as it came about.
But our trouble comes when we make God subject to the whims of our human expectations and desires. We need to reconsider a philosophy that requires God to provide all our wants, because in our finite wisdom we may not want what an infinitely wise God wants for us!
So, remember, God always answers our prayers. But if you’re not getting what you’re praying for, take heart knowing that God is probably doing something better!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to pray for the things you desire. Help me to trust that your answers are far better than what I think I want.