Does God Answer Prayer?

                                                                                                               

  

Now I would be lying if I have not wondered sometimes if God really answers prayer.  There have been times when I have prayed for years about something to only get "crickets" back in my ears.  NOTHING!  At least to me that is how it seems.  Of course God answers prayer.  Does it really matter if we pray when He is sovereign and will do what He wants anyway?  Of course it matters, or He would not say, "Pray", give us model prayers, and say, "Pray without ceasing".  Sounds pretty dumb to ask that question, doesn't it?  Yes, but NO!  We are human!  More than ever while life hasn't gotten easier as I get older, and especially during the last three years of the worst recession in my lifetime; it would seem as if God is silent at times and isn't listening!  But I know He is listening, and is still answering prayers.  Remember though, His timing and way of answering them is not always what we want, and He knows what's good for us even when we don't think so.  Is that not unlike a parent who has to say, "NO", or make a decision that doesn't please the child, even though the parent loves them and knows what is best...even though it may not be popular.  So be it with our loving Heavenly Father.   BUTTTTTT.............................Even during these challenging times, God continues to answer our prayers.  Can I share a few of His answers and also some I am still praying for?   You will be blessed, and I would love to hear from you about some prayers God has answered in your life lately.  Remember a month ago when I announced our Bike Ride, the first thing I shared was some key prayer needs?  Well let's see what's happened since then!   Safety during daily rides in South Florida   (So far so good, even though many close calls and one wreck where a 6 year almost took me out, and I carried bruises from head to toe for two weeks.  But no bones broken and head OK, thanks to God and the helmet Tonia bought me....which was an answer to prayer in itself.) Inexpensive but dependable Tour Bike (God had answered this prayer the first day, and has given me a loaned one for back up) 15 - "1500 Milers" who will give $1.00 a mile up to $1500.   (We now have 17 and some who have said they would become 1500 milers!!! God is good! Another answer) Someone to loan a Camper for the trip.  (Camper has been loaned for the trip, PTL!) The many details that will need to be worked out prior to trip and while on the road.  (Many have come together and yet many more, answered prayer and more needed, lots more needed. God is amazing!) $55,000 raised for the children and people of Haiti  (after not yet 200 pledges coming in we already have $78,000.00 pledged and expect many more to pledge, which is still a prayer request.  Remember our ultimate goal is $1,000,000.00 dollars. Keep praying)  Provision of biking equipment needed for the trip...from clothing, shoes, bike parts, extra rims, tires, etc.  (God has supplied this need also. This was a much larger need than I realized at first.  It has cost much more than I expected in all the equipment and things to make this trip.  We have doubled the initial thoughts I had for what I would need. That is incredible.  Much of the needs for the entire trip have been given and designated for that purpose in order to not spend any more Haitian ministry monies than we must)  Churches to speak to along the way and share our burden for Haiti.  (We will speak at Jeremy Higdon's in Jax, but at this time have not had much time to work on others. Will have to ask God to send them to us) For others to be challenged through the Bike Tour to make a Radical Commitment to Honor God by serving others.  (this has already been happening, exponentially.  I'm amazed to hear the stories especially of young people and adults who are planning some radical ways to serve others and God. We have 3 people leading trips to Haiti this summer.  I was interviewed today by a South Florida Radio station about the ride.  I  have a TV station for a Lifetime show that will interview me next week. Taped to be played later. It just keeps growing. I want this to be more than me riding and you giving.  I want to bring an awareness of how all of us can do something Radical for God and, even with little, how God can do much for those in need.  Keep praying.  My son, Corey set up www.bikeforhaiti.com  which is a place people are coming and catching the bus and also giving.  There are stories happening every day I could share.) Pray for volunteers who will drive the camper and assist me on the ride each week.  (As of today every week is full and I know someone is committed to be with me and to follow me in a car or camper for safety and support. This is huge) Now, I could go on and one how God has answered prayer in our church during the last few months too.  Even through the finances after having to make drastic cuts, our offerings are stable, and for the first time in 6-8 months in February our giving out-paced our spending. That is an answer to prayer. God continues to supply and do great things. 17 families dedicate their babies this weekend, one of the largest Baby Dedications we have ever had.  Keep Praying. God is answering our prayers.   (excerpted from my weekly prayer partners newsletter) Note: Sometimes the format of my newsletter doesnt fit with my blog so if you have a word or two cut off a line, Im sorry.

Comments

[jon]

I really like this video. In it the speaker talks about how the prayer was seemingly answered wrong but in fact lead to the right thing. Give it a watch. http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=2714780496001