I've always considered myself a “realist”. Not having too high of expectations to save
myself from disappointment. Some people
may have seen this as “pessimism,” but I preferred the friendlier term of “realism”. In my mind, it was always best to expect the
worst because then when the worst happens you’re not surprised or if something
better happens then you’re thrilled.
Now, after I've been learning some things from God, I’m starting to see
my “realism” being more of a lack of faith than just a defense mechanism,
protecting myself from hurt and disappointment.
Lately, through a series of events, words, and scripture, I
have been learning a lot about prayer and faith. I'm learning that my prayers have
become or possibly always have been lacking in the faith department. You see, I realized the other day, when I
repeatedly got hit in the face with scripture that prayer is only truly powerful
when accompanied by faith. Other things
I picked up were that God rewards the persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8) and He wants me to ask for things (Matthew
20:29-34; Matthew 21:22). He loves to
give us good gifts, listen and answer our prayers, and provide for all our
needs (Matthew 7:11, Matthew 6:25-33).
So instead of my usual half-hearted,
would-be-nice-if-God-listened-and-answered prayers, I will pray with
persistence, specificity, and expectation.
I will have faith that God hears me and desires to answer me. I will trust in His plan, and if my prayers
are not answered in the time frame I desire or in the way I desire, I will
believe it is for a very specific reason that I may never fully understand. I will strive to always trust and have faith
in Him and His plan. I won’t give up
believing in Him. I can’t give up
believing in Him.
"Therefore, confess
your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
James 5:16
"And whatever you ask
in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."
Matthew 21:22
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