We can be curious, but at the same time, let's not ask questions with the intent to stump. Do not take pride in "proving" another wrong. Be patient with one another today and continue to seek that which is from God. "And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
| Thursday, October 11, 2001 | ||
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From wau.org...
What is faith if it isn't teamed with trust and persistence? Nothing more than wishful thinking. Jesus illustrated this point by telling a parable about a man who wouldn't go away until his neighbor had given him what he needed. The point is clear: God wants us to come to him with trust and persistence, eagerly desiring his blessing. When he doesn't grant our request right away, it's not because he's too busy with other things or doesn’t care about us enough. Often, he wants us to wait because he knows how deeply persistence can change us. As St. Paul wrote: "Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
It's easy to become discouraged when we don't receive an answer right away. We may feel like giving up on God and relying on ourselves instead. But Jesus urges us to keep knocking; he promises that he will open the door and pour out his Spirit on all who ask him.
When God delays in giving us answers or comfort in our prayer, it may be because he wants to teach us to fear him properly. He is God, and we are not. He is always good, holy, and righteous. He is always worthy of our trust and obedience whether or not our lives go the way we think they should go. God wants the foundation of our lives to be his revelation in our hearts, not the ups and downs of daily living. If we base our lives on who God is and on his unfailing love that never leaves us, we will experience his work in our lives, at just the right time. Just like the persistent friend whose neighbor finally gave him everything he wanted, we will receive the blessings and provisions we will need for every situation.
Through our faithfulness and persistence, we allow God to form us into vessels for his glory. As we wait on him, we can learn to trust him, and in trusting him, we can grow stronger and become more able to help others. Over time, he will be more and more able to use us as instruments to manifest his love and power to the world.
"Father, I thank you that you are loving, kind, and good. I trust that as I persist in prayer and obedience, you will pour out your Spirit on me to re-create me in the character of your Son, Jesus."
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Have a great day!