by Tim Howard
It was a joke and I laughed when I heard it! A couple in their mid-fifties was trying to rekindle a spark in their marriage when they were approached by a “Genie.” This strange character stated that he would give each of them one wish beginning with the woman. She, without hesitation, recalled their honeymoon on the tropical island of Maui and said, please put us on that beautiful beach so we can walk together and renew our love. Instantly the beauty of a tropical paradise surrounded them. The man, after looking around and seeing other women 20 years younger than himself, asked the Genie to make his wife 20 years younger than himself. In an instant, he was 75 years old! You may be laughing like me but don’t miss the moral. It is this: Be careful what you ask for! Sometimes your request produces something quite unexpected.
It was a joke and I laughed when I heard it! A couple in their mid-fifties was trying to rekindle a spark in their marriage when they were approached by a “Genie.” This strange character stated that he would give each of them one wish beginning with the woman. She, without hesitation, recalled their honeymoon on the tropical island of Maui and said, please put us on that beautiful beach so we can walk together and renew our love. Instantly the beauty of a tropical paradise surrounded them. The man, after looking around and seeing other women 20 years younger than himself, asked the Genie to make his wife 20 years younger than himself. In an instant, he was 75 years old! You may be laughing like me but don’t miss the moral. It is this: Be careful what you ask for! Sometimes your request produces something quite unexpected.
The Bible makes it very clear that we can ask God
for anything. If, however, you are bold enough to make a request, you better be
prepared for one of four answers.
1. If the request is wrong, God will say “No.” The
apostle James in Chapter 4 tells us that it is possible to ask for things that
might be detrimental to our development. Along with that fact, he also reveals
that it is possible to ask for something with wrong motives. When this happens,
be prepared for God to say “No.” With hindsight, I have discovered this to be a
blessing rather than a curse. God has spared me from many disasters by not
fulfilling my desires because what I want isn’t always what’s best for me.
2. If the timing is wrong, God will say, “Slow.”
Little children want everything “Now” and my children were no exception. They
didn’t understand the phrase, delayed gratification. They have learned,
however, that timing is extremely important in the journey called life. Many
people miss out on a lot of things and get buried in a lot of problems because
they will not choose to exercise patience and self-control.
3. If you are not yet ready to receive the request,
God will say “Grow.” Sometimes, God wants to throw us the ball but we don’t
have our heads in the game. We are distracted by many pleasures at the expense
of pursuing our purpose. God graciously waits for us and speaks the truth in
love so we will grow up in all aspects.
4. Last of all, when the timing is right, you are
right and the request is right, God says, “Yes, Let’s Go” I personally believe
this is God’s favorite answer. He wants to say YES!
God ALWAYS answers prayer! It may not be the answer you want but it’s an answer you can accept if you know this truth: God doesn’t always give you what you want but he always gives you what you need. God loves you enough to say no, slow or grow even though it may produce some pain. Jesus wants to help you! He says: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Him what you need, and thank God for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. If God approached you and said He would answer one prayer, what would your request be?
God ALWAYS answers prayer! It may not be the answer you want but it’s an answer you can accept if you know this truth: God doesn’t always give you what you want but he always gives you what you need. God loves you enough to say no, slow or grow even though it may produce some pain. Jesus wants to help you! He says: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Him what you need, and thank God for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. If God approached you and said He would answer one prayer, what would your request be?
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the pastors tim and Donna Howard. All of the other pastors that have been in my life in the past and present. They have made a great impression and impact on my life.
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