Meandering - Red Hot Prayers

Thomas Brooks wrote, “Cold prayers always freeze before they reach heaven.”

So many red-hot prayers of love and care went all the way to heaven on our behalf regarding the sale of our house. Gina and I have so appreciated the support and strength of your prayers and are happy to tell you that our house in Moncton has sold!

It was up and down with offers and counter offers, the waiting and wondering about a house inspection, and the new home buyers naivety that led to the deadline passing without certainty of a sale. The fact that their lawyer mixed up our houses’ folder with another house, didn’t help either. Finally, a week after the deadline, word came that all conditions had been met and all paperwork signed.  We are so thankful. 

I confess, at times I was upset, frustrated, and angry like a spoiled child. My prayers were hot. I was doing my best. Why would God allow it to be so complicated and uncertain? God, however, used it to remind me that he is the Alpha and the Omega. He knows the beginning to the end, I do not. When things do not go as I think they should, in the sequence I think they should, I need to remember that his timing is perfect and he knows best. God owes me nothing. He is not in my debt. When it is all said and done, I am gladly and humbly his servant, and an ‘unworthy’ one at that (Luke 17:10). God, Creator of the universe, does not exist to be my personal Genie of the Lamp.

Yes, God the Father delights in answering the prayers of his children. Yet, he will also test you and me to see if we truly trust and love him. Do we love the getting of gifts, or the Giver of the gifts, most? I acknowledge that it is easier to write about patience and trust when prayer has been answered, and quite another thing when the much needed, and prayed for, employment, healing, reconciliation, or sale of a house, has not yet happened. Nevertheless, even in uncertainty (especially in uncertainty) let’s remember that our God is faithful and trustworthy. He is never too early or late. It was under the dismal darkness of the cross that Jesus Christ, for us, remained steadfast and firm. He trusted the plan of the Father, and he came forth with resurrection power. 

“Praise the Lord! …Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. …For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid.” Psalm 112:1, 4, 6-8a

Light may not have yet dawned in your darkness. Be not afraid of all the bad news. Praise and trust Jesus all the same. Be firm in your heart, and let it be an opportunity to show him that you love him for who he is, even above answers to prayer (Psalm 73:25).  

Thanks again for your ‘red-hot’ prayers, your example of loving and trusting the Lord, and for meandering along with me.