Tags
bad weather, gifts, God, Mathew 7:9-11, Matthew 7:9-11, plans, plans thwarted, Prayer, snow, unanswered prayers, Which of you if his son asks for bread will give him a stone?
Unanswered prayers, life not going as expected, plans cancelled for a variety of reasons. Today plans to leave the house came to a halt because this is what it looks like outside my window:
Wouldn’t it be nice if everything went as planned, if each day came together as we outlined, if all our wishes came true. Um…maybe not.
Many times when I really, really, really wanted something and didn’t get it, I felt unlucky, upset, cheated, ignored by God. Then, looking back, I thanked God it didn’t happen.
Sometimes weather thwarts our plans, sometimes other obstacles block our way. Maybe all for the good.
H.E. Manning said: Whatsoever we ask which is not for our good, He will keep it back from us. And surely in this there is no less of love than in the granting what we desire as we ought. Will not the same love which prompts you to give a good, prompt you to keep back an evil, thing? If, in our blindness, not knowing what to ask, we pray for things which would turn in our hands to sorrow and death, will not our Father, our of His very love, deny us? How awful would be our lot, if our wishes should straightaway pass into realities; of we were endowed with a power to bring about all that we desire; if the inclinations of our will were followed by fulfillment of our hasty wishes, and sudden longing were always granted. One day we shall bless Him, not more for what He has granted than for what He has denied.
I took the below photo in Glastonbury, England. A lovely psalm to read whenever the homeowner or guest walks into the house.
Ultimately, God causes the snowstorms (like today) that keep us inside, a block that stops us from continuing down a certain pathway. But He also gives all that we need.
And this poem/prayer says it all:
For His great love has compassed
Our nature, and our need
We know not; but He knoweth,
And He will bless indeed.
Therefore, O heavenly Father,
Give what is best to me;
And take the wants unanswered,
As offerings made to Thee. Anon.
It’s good to surrender our lives to God, allow Him to direct our paths, and stop us from seeking wrong things. He knows best what we need.
Matthew 7:9-11 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
It would be great if you could take part in my “Fences Project”. Bzebza dot net (I am putting the site this way that the comment would not be rejected by the system)
I’ll check it out. Thanks for stopping by
Holly,
The older I get the more I realize that God is in everything for the believer and that our disappointments and challenges and delays are sometimes for a reason we may never know this side of heaven. I recentlly thanked the Lord for the second bout of flu…not because I enjoy being sick, but because it drove me to His Word. I spent much time digging for truth. Romans 8 reminded me of the great treasure and inheritance we have in this present life. As the song goes, “Just give me Jesus”…He makes all the difference in the world. Romans 8:28…Thanks for sharing this excellent post.
Hugs!
So beautifully and profoundly written, Holly. What a joy it was to read!
Thank you Cynthia. Have a blessed weekend.
It’s a very good reminder of why when God seemingly doesn’t answer our prayers he really does know what He’s doing and we need to know He has our best interest at heart in not answering…or saying ‘no’ in other words…Diane
Holly,
I have enjoyed your blog just now. I constantly find myself in such situations as if He is not listening, then I come to realize how wrong I am about my wishes and I am glad that He continues protecting me regardless of silly (and unanswered) requests. Holly, I enjoy your writing!
Thanks Mareus
Holly,
Wonderful! I really like this blog; it is well written, brief and to the point. I would like to reblog it on my site but do not see that button. Hmm?
Juju
Found it! Reblogged and will be adding some more thoughts.
Thanks!
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As metal sharpens metal, you have sharpened me. I hope you like my blog in relation to your blog:
http://whisperofangels.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/unanswered/
Juju
Beautiful!
Wonderful Holly. I think my wife could use this today. I’ll forward. 🙂
Thanks Lon. I’m sure God has wonderful plans for you both.
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