“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22
I was listening to the Crossroads message over the weekend when one question caught my attention: Does God answer prayer? Someone remarked that the answer is yes but sometimes you need to wait—but for how long? That is a very good question and a complicated one as well. Sometimes we are in “waiting mode” when all along God may want us involved in answering our prayer.
I remember early on in Celebrate Recovery when Nan and I were faced with some real tough stuff in our family; my daughter was going through a very tough time. I remember praying for her safety and healing, and for wisdom to help me help her. My heart was broken, my anger was real, and my fear for her was overwhelming. Did God answer my prayers? Yes, but not overnight, instead it was over a couple of years. Did God have me waiting all that time? It seemed so on the surface, but there was more to the story that I could not comprehend.
God was engaging me in a process of cleaning up my side of the street in relation to my daughter, and teaching me to trust Him to take care of her. We learned to set some healthy boundaries so that when she was ready to admit to needing help, Nan and I were ready. The CR process challenged me to look at my character flaws, and in the process God softened my heart, so when my daughter and I did come together I was ready to help in a much healthier way. Our relationship today is full and loving.
Does God answer prayers? ALWAYS! Just don’t try micromanaging God. When we do that we make him much smaller in our lives and we cheat ourselves of the fullness of God. Pray, listen, wait, take action when needed, and leave the results up to God.
“Pour out your hearts to God at all times, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8
Father God, thank you for being so intimately involved in our lives, for loving us so completely. I ask you, Lord, to hear our prayers, and as your will be done, that our prayers come to fruition. Please grant us the wisdom to know when to wait and know when to take action. In Jesus name—Amen.
Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads
Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar
October 8-14, 2018
Friday, October, 12: Testimony Night
- 6pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dinner for you. Please join us for food and fellowship.
- 7pm: Join us for an hour of worship and a recovery testimony from Melaine.
- 8pm: Open Share Groups.
- 9pm: Solid Rock Café.
