Never Believe Your Prayers Are in Vain
Is our level of trust in God equivalent to our blind faith in so many other things?
When life is going smoothly and we can see the next step clearly, it's easy to believe that everything will be okay, but at what point do we give up praying and having faith when we’re wandering through our darkest moments and can barely see our hand in front of our face? At what point should we stop?
We get into our vehicles and drive. Unless the check-engine light comes on, we usually take no thought of its condition. We don’t inspect under the hood, verify the integrity of the frame, etc. We get in and head toward our destination. Rarely, if ever, do we inspect the chair before we sit in it. We naturally trust the chair is safe unless we can see that something is wrong. Have you ever tested the integrity of your shoes before deciding to wear them? Unless you’re making a first-time purchase, do you ask yourself, “Are these shoes safe for me to walk in?” We often rely on blind faith when using our vehicles, chairs, and shoes, without inspecting them beyond their surface appearance.
Blind faith is the act of accepting the validity of something or someone without any evidence, logical reasoning, or critical examination. Instead of relying on empirical data or substantial evidence, the foundation of belief is based on intuition.
Now the question is, do we have the same attitude and notion when it comes to God? Do we place as much blind faith in God as we do a vehicle, a pair of shoes or a chair? Do we have the same level of trust in God? Are we willing to place blind faith in Him, or do we doubt Him when we can't see what He's doing?
If we're honest with ourselves, we may not always have complete trust in God.
When we fully trust someone, we don’t doubt them. We may verify the information that person provides us, and we may even have questions for them to answer. However, we remain steadfast in trusting them and put doubt aside. When doubt begins to speak, we can use our faith and silence doubt when it arises.
When God doesn't answer our prayers immediately, or when we're unable to see what He's doing, we may feel worried, fearful, or anxious.
How is your attitude after you’ve prayed, fasted, obeyed God and done all that you can do?
Do you still trust God without contemplating your problem, just as you’ve trusted the chair (you’re likely seated in right now) without first confirming its safety?
Just as we put on our shoes and walk without validating their reliability, we can put on our faith, trust God and walk in peace, expecting that whatever the outcome of His final decision, God has our best interest at heart.
We can intentionally prompt ourselves that since we love God and are called for His purpose, He is continually orchestrating everything for our good, as the Scripture says, "all things work together for good." (Romans 8:28). We have a deep knowing that even when circumstances appear to be working against us, God is causing them to work for us.
Even when we don't fully understand each step He takes, we know that things are working for us, not against us. We can also put our faith on autopilot and maintain our integrity, our happy demeanor, kindness towards others, and a big bright beautiful smile.
Whenever you find yourself stuck in the trap of worry, say this quietly to yourself, “I command my mind, body and spirit to be at ease. Lord, you are always working things out for my good even when I don’t fully understand and can’t see each step you take to resolve my issue so that I can worship you for it.”
Help yourself against the onslaught of negative thoughts bombarding your mind daily by simply reminding yourself that your prayers are never in vain.
One may imagine this school of thought as nonsensical, but the point is that if we can have faith in everyday objects without much thought or consideration, why not program our minds and spirit to have the same level of faith in God?
Never quit believing that God is working on whatever you’ve prayed about. Your prayers are never in vain. God made the ear. He is not deaf.
After you’ve asked, sought and knocked (Matthew 7:7), move on to saying prayers of victory that demonstrate the joy you now possess because God is working things out in your best interest.
Let's trust Him and put our doubts aside, knowing that He's always working for our good.
Tough Love: Pray, Only if you are ready to believe.
Scriptural Evidence:
James 1:6-7 NIV: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Mark 11:24 KJV: Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mat 7:7 KJV: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Hebrews 4:16 NIV Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Heb 11:6 KJV But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.)
The Trap of Worry
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Luke 12:25-26 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?"
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."