Does God Hear Us?
Do you ever wonder if God hears us? Does He answer our prayers? Or you may just question, "What was God thinking?"
Throughout my life, these questions did and still challenge me. Especially the one about answering our prayers. I always believe that God hears us and yes there have been times when I would hear myself talking to God and saying, "What were You thinking?" Really though that particular question ends up being "what was I thinking?" God wants good in our lives, but I am learning that when things go astray it is because I have gone off His path for me. But answering our prayers is the biggest challenge that many struggle with, especially those who may not have a relationship with God or it is still a relationship in its infancy. Even those who have a strong relationship will find themselves wondering if God heard them or why is He not answering. As I, many of times wondered why He was not answering my prayers for situations that were happening within my life, my sons' lives and others I was praying for.
As I am giving over more of my life to Him, I realize that He is answering my prayers. It is I, that may not be hearing the answers or I do not like the answer He is giving to me. This past year, as my son was going through heartbreaking situations, I was continuously praying for him. By appearances it would seem that God was not answering or not caring about the outcome, but halfway through this situation, I came to the realization that God was answering the prayers, just not in the immediate way that I wanted them answered. This situation called for a strategy and a plan, which God was formulated and put into action, so in the end, the heartbreak was healed and my son's life is now on the path that God had planned for all along. Prayers were continuously being said over my son and his children by a church community, though small compared to others, is powerful in the faith of God. I watched as God's plan revealed itself and in the end, He triumphed.
God answers us, it is just that it is in His time and not ours. Some answers are immediate. On Friday, July 12th, Lily and I were walking along the C&O Canal Towpath and butterflies were fluttering along our way, however they would not land so that I could take a picture. This walk was also my daily Worship walk. A Worship walk is one you take and focus on God, closing out all distractions. To walk and listen, to open your heart, mind and soul to Him. While, back to the butterflies, I realized that I became distracted by getting a picture that I lost focus on Him. Once this realization hit me, I refocused and Lily and I continued our walk and I put my phone away. I did send up a prayer asking God to PLEASE let one butterfly stay put so I could get a picture after the walk. As Lily and I turned around on the trail to make our way back towards the car, it was if all the butterflies vanished. The path was quiet and all was still. I was focused on God! As we drew closer to the car, a woman whom had past us previously on a bicycle, was passing by us again. She greeted us with "Have a nice day" which I responded back. She suddenly stopped and called out to me and said that if I was looking to see butterflies that right under the bridge was a path that lead to the river and that there were a lot of yellow and black butterflies there. I was elated and I thanked her. Lily and I continued, found the path and proceeded down towards the river. To my wonder, here is what awaited us:
God had answered my prayer with not just one butterfly, but a small cluster of butterflies. I was so elated and thanking Jesus for answering my small request. But God went one better, there upon a rock was a dragonfly just waiting to be photographed.
Many times God will answer our prayers immediately while other prayers that involve a plan, take time. He always knows what is best for us and when our prayers align with His plans for our life, then the answer is always YES! When the prayers are something that He knows will not be good for us or will actually hinder us and keep us from His plans, the answer will be NO. When He says no, it is extremely clear that it is not going to happen. It is hard to explain how you know He is saying no, but you just know. But there are those prayers that He says, MAYBE. These are the prayers that He contemplates on how they can fit into His plan for you, but need some redirection or "tweaking" before fulfilling. Many of times these are the prayers that you may have forgotten that you had asked for, and suddenly you have the deja vu moment and then it hits you, God just answered my prayer!
When talking to God and asking Him for something in your life, do not become discouraged. For God always lets you know that He heard you. Sometimes it could be a gentle warm breeze that suddenly you feel, or a bird singing a song but mostly it is the feeling of peace that comes over you. You may not get an immediate answer, nor may it be the answer you want, but remember He knows truly what is best for you.
Lastly, when I find myself walking through challenges and storms, I no longer ask "why me?" I now say,"Okay God, what do I need to learn or help me get back on Your path?" For once I open myself to His direction and teaching, then He makes the answers clear. I have found that when God says No, He sends something so much better in place of what I was asking. He loves me unconditionally and wants to provide for me, so that means He will sometimes say Yes, sometimes say No and then other times say Maybe.
Remember that God, our Father, Jesus, our Saviour and the Holy Spirit our Guide is always listening, always answering and always Loving you!
May your day be filled with Joy, Peace and Love
