We’re no superbeings who fully understand the ways of God (Psalm 138). We know in part only. But we should continue to grow in our knowledge, faith and love for God each waking day. It’s a journey that brings us into a thrilling adventure, and makes us alive. And we can find our pure joy in God alone.
Would you like to know some guidelines on how God answers prayers? Here are the “4 Ds” of Dr. Harold Sala.
DIRECT
Dr. Harold reiterates the story of Daniel of the Old Testament Bible. When Daniel was thrown in the lions’ den, he needed a lightning-fast answer. Otherwise, we would mistake it as God answering the lions’ request—a fresh, healthy, sumptuous breakfast named “The Yelling Daniel.” But God, in His goodness, did answered Daniel’s request! He lived. The mouths of the lions were shut miraculously.
DELAYED
God may still be fixing our character or honing our skills, like a diamond in the rough. Sometimes, God would like nature have its way (“natural law”). At times, God has to work out on the lives of other people who are part of the problem or solution.
DISGUISED
We wonder, at first, on God’s different answer, thinking of praying again; as if the WIFI hotspot we’re in had a network problem. Sooner or later, by God’s grace, we will realize that the Lord’s answer to our prayers were better than we expected.
DENIED
Dr. Harold said, “Is a ‘No’ answer really an answer? Indeed it is. What a mess our lives would be if God gave us everything we ask for.”
Picture this: God gave every person on earth all that he or she wanted. Yeah, it’s going to be a chaotic world out there; and maybe our years would be cut short because of it.
God, who’s sovereign over all things, knows what’s best for us. Pray unceasingly until we see God’s answers. It’s also good to have someone or a group who would pray with us and for our special prayer points for proper check and balance.
But the best of it all is, God is with us, our “Emmanuel,” even if we didn’t receive what we prayed so hard about. In the Lord, we are complete (Psalm 23).
Reference:
“Answered Prayer — God’s Way” (February 9 Devotion), 365 Guidelines for Daily Living, Dr. Harold Sala