God Answers
Month: August 2023
Weak Groanings
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called he also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.
Last week I talked about how I must believe that God will give wisdom. I know that can be a weakness for me. I am thankful for this passage in Romans that tells me the Holy Spirit intercedes for me when I don’t know what to pray. He gives support to help in my greatest time of need.
I know there are times that my faith can be weak. God has provided help for those of us who have trusted in Jesus Christ. God gives what I need.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit to help me when I don’t know how to pray. I cling to that promise. May Your name be praised for this marvelous gift.
I praise this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
God Listens Well
Unstable, No Wisdom
I often quote James 1:5. God has taught me much about prayer, so I have no trouble asking God. I love that He gives “generously to all without reproach”. However, I get a bit stuck at verse 6. I must ask without doubting.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:6-8
I fear that I will mess up God’s wisdom and make some kind of mistake. With that attitude I “must not suppose that I will receive anything from the Lord.” That alone is pretty depressing. However, Matthew 17:30 tells me that I only need faith the size of a mustard seed. The size of my faith isn’t the important part. Trusting that God will keep His promise is the key.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always keeping Your promises. Please remove my doubt so I can be strengthened by Your wisdom.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Path of Life
What Sticks
People spend a lot of time and money on plans. Planning is a good concept, but Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that the only ones that stick are the plans of God. Does this mean we don’t make plans? No, there are plenty of times where the Bible tells us to be prepared (1 Peter 3:15, Proverbs 6:8; 24:27). As a believer I prayerfully make plans and remember that God is in control.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making plans that will stand. Please help me to make plans that are in line with Your will.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Glad Rejoicing
Fervently Seeking
This passage in Jeremiah is ultimately written to the nation of Israel. However, I think the concept of fervently seeking God is applicable to New Testament believers today. After all, 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that everything we do should be for the glory of God.
We have no trouble earnestly seeking what we want. Unfortunately, our strong desires do not always start with our Heavenly Father. The blessings in Jeremiah were conditional. God gives us some conditions in the New Testament. 1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins God will faithfully forgive. The condition is our confession.
We won’t know or understand what God wants unless we fervently seek Him. God is worth the time and effort.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the conditions and provisions You give us in the Bible. Please help us to seek You fervently.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Not Shaken
Pleading in Prayer 