Answered Prayers

I believe that God always answers our prayers.

Sometimes in His resounding yes, He hurtles mountains into the sea and we GASP at His power and might.  And sometimes He says no.  Then, sometimes - maybe even often, He says wait.  Wait and see what I am going to do.  So, we wait.  And too soon we begin to manipulate, because like Sarah, we think that maybe the God of the Universe needs our help. 

Because see, we say we believe.  We even think we believe.  But, do our actions (or inactions as the case may be) demonstrate that?  Do we walk around thinking that if we work hard enough, finagle the circumstances, or try to fix things in our own power - that God will come through like a blast of fireworks?  Splitting the sky with His miraculous display.  Because He could do that - and one day friends, one day He will.  I can't wait!!

But for now I find that mostly He doesn't.  Mostly He quietly works out His plan, using simple ordinary people who serve an anything but ordinary God.  He calls us to trust Him when things seem so crazy.  He calls us to continue about His business - leading the way He led - from the back.  Serving, loving, feeding, visiting, praying, washing feet, being moved into action by compassion - these are the things that characterized our Savior.  These commands have not changed.  Not even because the world is spiraling out of control.  Not even because our enemies want to kill us.  Not even because we can't be sure we will be safe.

Our family has home schooled for 18 years.  During that time we have used the very same curriculum - God has taught all of our children using that curriculum.  I have read those same books four times now and I have at least two more to go.  One constant during our years has been a book called Praying Through the 10/40 Window.  Along with that has been From Arapesh to Zuni - and another, You Can Change the World.  My children and I have intensely prayed for the people who live in the region of the world that is most opposed to the Gospel.  I know many others that have as well - in fact, my husband has a dear friend who recently founded a ministry based on this very concept.  Jesus said in Matthew 24 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."  His ministry, Catapult Labs, is focused on encouraging indigenous leaders inside of this "window." 

What is my point?  Well, today I was scrolling through my Facebook, and like I am sure yours is, mine is blowing up with opinions on the current state of our world.  The refugees, the terrorists, the danger we are in.  I get that.  It scares the crap out of me too.  The world is not safe - and I am a MOM.  I feel an intense responsibility and desire to keep my kids safe.

But, what if safety was never God's goal for us?  What if throughout the ages God's people have been persecuted, terrorized, torn apart by lions, burned at the stake - what if we are created for another world?  Meditate on Hebrews 10 and 11 for a bit - and of course Matthew 25.  What if God, in His infinite mercy is raising up an army, and what if we are part of it?  What if He IS answering our prayers?

As I said, my children and I have prayed almost daily and very specifically for almost two decades for God to move mightily in the 10/40 window.  We have begged Him to DO something.  Well, friends, the 10/40 window is bleeding refugees.  What if the prayers of the saints have ripped a wound in that area of the world?  A wound that is now free flowing with opportunity.  Are we going to squander that opportunity in the name of safety?  Are we going to look into the eyes of Jesus and shrink back saying, "We didn't mean for you to answer our prayer like this."  Oh friends, I know it is so much easier to think of others risking their lives, rather than us.  Missionaries.  They are the ones who choose to risk their lives.  In foreign countries - far, far away from America.  We are not supposed to be at risk here.  We are supposed to be safe and happy - God wants us to be happy, right?

Meditate some more on Hebrews 10 and 11.  I don't have all the answers.  There are valid points on both sides of the refugee argument.  I hear them, I feel the fear.  But, at the end of the day all I know for certain is that this life is HARD.  We should not be surprised by that, nor should we be offended.  Jesus warned us.  And try as I might, I can find nothing in Scripture that calls followers of Jesus Christ to safe, cushy, "American" lives.  Nothing.  All I find about life on earth is pretty messy stuff - like love your enemies, leave everything and follow Me, welcome strangers, feed the hungry, stand up for the oppressed, care for orphans and widows, clothe the naked.  Be holy, because I am holy. 

So, what if there is a better way than living a life of self-preservation?  What if this Jesus life really is the good stuff?  Because I did find one part that didn't seem too messy - it seemed goal worthy in fact.  It said, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father.  Come and inherit the Kingdom prepared for you before the foundations of the earth."  That is what I want to hear at the end of it all, because truly at the end of it all - what else is there?  What can we take with us besides those that He gave us to love? 

What if He does answer ALL of our prayers?