AS JESUS was preparing the disciples for His departure, He said to them, "In that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now, you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:23–24 NKJV).
I have used these scriptures as a guideline all my life. I always take whatever requests I have to the Heavenly Father, believing that He will grant them. It is thrilling and deepens my relationship with Him as I see my requests answered.
However, in practicing this, we sometimes predetermine how God will grant our request. Often because of delays or the request not being granted as we thought, we become disappointed and disillusioned.
Recently I presented my request to God. I applied the principles I learned in Mark 11:23–24, "For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
However, the outcome was not what I expected. When this happens, it could shake the faith of a young believer. Being a Christian who has practiced these principles for many years, I continued to trust in my Heavenly Father. I knew that He knows the future and must have a better plan.
As I patiently put my trust and confidence in Him, I experienced a miracle that the Father put together for me. His way was far better than my plan.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
God will turn around for your good everything that may seem disastrous at the moment.Lynette Hagin
Not everything that happens in our lives is good. You have probably heard the saying, "Life is not a bed of roses." I never understood why roses are referred to as an easy life. Although they are beautiful and can smell wonderful, they have thorns. In addition, if you prick your finger by one, it hurts.
We all have our share of trials, struggles, and pains. However, I am so thankful that as we place our trust in the Heavenly Father, He will be with us through every situation in our lives. Not only will He be with us, but He also will lead us safely out of destruction into victory.
I'm reminded of the story in Mark 4:35–41 (NKJV), "On the same day, when evening had come, [Jesus] said to [the disciples], 'Let us cross over to the other side.' Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?'
"Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!' "
Just remember, God is in your boat of life. No matter what storms you may encounter between the request you make and the answer you receive, if you will keep your faith, trust in God, and do not fear, you will reach the other side safely. God will turn around for your good everything that may seem disastrous at the moment.
I don't know what you are going through, but as I sat down to write this month's "Seed Thoughts," the words flowed. The Lord impressed me to say to you, "Whatever you're going through, just believe Me, and you will go through the situation unharmed and victorious."
Please send me your good report. I love hearing from my readers.
"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
—Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
Author
Lynette Hagin
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