Wait a minute....Yes Or No?

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Sunday Afternoons @ The Olivers (starting today Sunday 5/28 @2pm bring food and come ready to relax and fellowship see me or Robyn after service to get our address)

Why Prayer?

I am excited to be continuing our series on prayer. the Last couple weeks we have looked at how we must make prayer a lifestyle not just something we do from time to time or when it is convenient for us. Also how Prayer is misunderstood and how we must use God’s word to guid us. It is a gift and we must continually speak with our Father and to help us remain in Him and having a beautiful relationship

WHY WE PRAY!

Intimacy with God: Prayer is the gateway to intimacy with God. As followers of Christ, our ultimate goal is to know and experience a deep relationship with our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we can freely express our thoughts, feelings, and desires to Him, while also receiving His love, comfort, and guidance. It is in prayer that we draw near to God and experience His presence in our lives.

Dependence on God: Prayer reminds us of our dependence on God. As flawed and limited beings, we acknowledge our need for His wisdom, strength, and provision. Through prayer, we humbly surrender our self-reliance and recognize that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is through prayer that we actively seek His guidance and invite Him to work in and through us.

Prayer aligns us with God's will. By seeking His guidance and submitting our desires to Him, we open ourselves to His leading and direction. Through prayer, we invite God to shape our hearts and align our desires with His purposes. It is in prayer that we surrender our will to His, trusting in His perfect plans for our lives.

Worship and Adoration: Prayer provides an opportunity for Christians to worship and adore God. It allows us to express our love, gratitude, and reverence to the Creator of all things.

Prayer strengthens our faith. As we bring our hopes, fears, and struggles before God, we witness His faithfulness and experience His grace. In times of doubt or uncertainty, prayer becomes a source of encouragement and a reminder of God's promises. Through prayer, we deepen our trust in Him and grow in our reliance on His power and provision.

Prayer has the power to transform lives. As we bring our concerns, sins, and burdens before God, He works within us, molding us into the image of Christ. Through prayer, we experience His forgiveness, healing, and restoration. It is in prayer that we are transformed from the inside out, becoming vessels of His love and agents of His kingdom in the world.

Read 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”

Pray!

Francis Chan once said:When I don’t get an answer to prayer, I first look at my life. I look at my relationship with my wife. I check my motives.

Humility & Patience Section: Does He even hear me?

How many of us have prayed for someone, only to see their prayers go unanswered? How many have prayed and perhaps have “given up” because either they have become discouraged through a weakness of faith or have come to the conclusion that whatever they have been praying for isn’t God’s will?

How we deal with unanswered prayer is not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of others as well. When we pray, we are engaging in the most precious and God-given act of communication with the One to whom we are accountable in all our affairs. We have been truly bought at a steep price—the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ—and therefore we belong to God.

I want to point out though that God answers every prayer with a “yes,” a “no,” or a “wait.” But we generally only have our ear fixed to hearing one of those answers!

In every case, though, Scripture suggests that our prayers are being dealt with. The Lord Jesus is tender and loving; He loves our communing with God the Father, for He, Himself, is our representative (Hebrews 4:15 we really hit on this at our gentle and lowly class this past Wednesday).

One reason why prayer is unanswered is unconfessed sin. God cannot be mocked or deceived, and He who sits enthroned above knows us intimately, down to our every thought (Psalm 139:1-4). If we are not walking in the Way or we harbor enmity in our hearts toward our brother or we ask for things with the wrong motives (such as from selfish desires), then we can expect God not to answer our prayer because He does not hear (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:18; James 4:3).

Another reason why prayer seems to go unanswered is that the Lord is drawing out of our faith a deeper reliance and trust in Him, which should bring out of us a deeper sense of gratitude, love and humility.In turn, this causes us to benefit spiritually, for He gives grace to the humble

God may often seem silent to us, but He never sends us away empty-handed. Even if prayer has not been answered, we must rely upon God to do so in His own time. Even the exercise of prayer is a blessing to us; it is because of our faith that we are stirred to persist in prayer. It is faith that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6), and if our prayer life is wanting, does that not reflect our spiritual standing also?

God hears our impoverished cries for mercy, and His silence inflames us with a sense of persistence in prayer. He loves us to reason with Him. Let us hunger for the things that are after God’s heart and let us walk in His ways and not our own. If we are faithful to pray without ceasing, then we are living in the will of God, and that can never be wrong (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

As we unpack these 3 responses (YES, NO, Wait) from God it is important to remember we must always be patient and humble…Do not become prideful, impatient, discouraged.

When God Says No Section:

Read 1 John 5:14-15 “This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.”

We love the truth that God answers prayer. But what we love most is when He agrees with our requests and says “yes.”

But sometimes God’s answer is “no”. As a good Father, God will not grant us that which is not in our long-term best interest, even when we plead. God’s “yes” answers build our faith and confidence in prayer. But how are we to respond when He says “no”?

Accepting God’s “no” can be really difficult. There are verses that seem to indicate that whatever we ask for in faith we receive (e.g., Mark 11:24; Matthew 21:22). If we isolate those verses and build a theology around them, it can be faith-shattering when things do not happen as we anticipated. It is wiser to take a step back and consider the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Any time we build a whole doctrine around one or two verses, we are headed for trouble.

Several times in Scripture, God did not do as someone asked. He is God, and He can see things we can’t see. King David pleaded with the Lord for the life of his and Bathsheba’s infant son. David fasted and prayed for days, but, on the seventh day, the child died (2 Samuel 12:16, 18).

God said “no.” David responded in a way that is a model for us all. He accepted that what God had done was right and good, “Then David got up from the ground. He washed, anointed himself, changed his clothes, went to the Lord’s house, and worshiped” (2 Sa 12:20)

He had hoped for a different outcome. But God is God, and He has the right to make life-and-death decisions. In his grief, David did not become bitter toward the Lord or turn away. David’s response to God’s “no” was deeper worship and surrender, even in his heartache. “His servants asked him, “Why have you done this? While the baby was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate food.”

He answered, “While the baby was alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let him live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I’ll go to him, but he will never return to me.” ( 2 Sa 12:21–23).

The New Testament gives more examples of times when God said “no” to His servants. The apostle Paul was set to travel throughout Asia Minor to preach, but God said “no” (Acts 16:6–9). Paul thought he had understood the plan of God. He believed he was to continue in Asia. But the Holy Spirit said “no.” Because Paul’s desire was to listen and obey, regardless of what it cost, he left Asia Minor and went to Macedonia instead.

There he started churches that impacted the whole world. His response to God’s “no” was instant obedience and a change of direction.

In his personal life, Paul was plagued by what he called a “thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul pleaded with the Lord on three separate occasions to take this “thorn” from him, but God said “no.”

In this trial, Paul learned to appropriate greater measures of God’s grace and to live for the glory of God through the difficulty. His response to God’s “no” was to glory in his weakness (verse 9). Instead of giving up in frustration or deciding God did not care, Paul chose to “delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (verse 10).

What we learn from the biblical examples is that God never stops being God. He is sovereign: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ . . . What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do” (Isaiah 46:9–11).

We must remember especially when hearing no to our prayers, that our faith-filled requests do not supersede God’s sovereign rule. If He was bound by our prayers, as some teach, He would, in effect, cease to be God. We would be gods by dictating His actions. Nowhere in Scripture do we see such a precedent.

God will often say “no” to things we yearn to see happen. Those with immature faith sometimes use this as an excuse to abandon Him altogether: “God didn’t heal my baby.” “God didn’t save my marriage.” “God didn’t give me that job I needed.” If our view is that God is obligated to grant our requests like a genie grants wishes, then we will be dismayed when God does not “perform” for us. We choose whether to allow a “no” from God to shatter our faith or build it up; a “no” from God can teach us to endure—even when we don’t understand (James 1:3).

It is often in the seasons when God says “no” that we are forced to pursue God more earnestly. God’s “nos” often shatter the tiny box in which we tried to keep Him and allow the real God to reveal Himself to us.

He says “no” when it is part of His grander plan.

He says “no” when our lack of faith indicates that we do not truly believe He is who He says He is (Hebrews 11:6).

He says “no” when our requests are rooted in selfishness (James 4:3) or when a “yes” would harm us.

He says “no” when, like Paul, we must learn that His grace is sufficient for us. The biblical examples of servants of God who experienced God’s “no” help us learn the right response when God says “no” to us.

Some things we can learn from “NO”

1. Limited perspective: As humans, we are bound by time, space, and finite knowledge. Our understanding is often clouded, and we may fail to perceive the bigger picture of God's plans.

2. God's greater purposes: Sometimes, God's denial of our requests serves a higher purpose that extends beyond our immediate desires. He may be refining our character, deepening our dependence on Him, or working out a more significant plan for His glory.

3. God's love: God's love for us is immeasurable and unfailing. He desires what is best for us, even when His answer to our prayers is different from what we expect.

4. Faith and trust: Our faith is tested when God's response is "no." In these moments, we must trust that His love and wisdom are guiding His decision, even if it is beyond our comprehension.

It can be challenging to accept God's "no" as an answer to our prayers, we must remember that He sees the bigger picture and works for our ultimate good. Let us embrace a posture of humility, aligning our desires with God's will, and trusting in His wisdom and love.

May we find comfort in knowing that our heavenly Father is always near, even when His response is not what we expected. As we continue to pray, may our hearts be open to His leading and may His will be done in our lives.

When God Says Wait Section:

No one likes to wait. We like things now. Patience isn't and easy thing to have. But there is beauty in the waiting. Sometimes God answers us by communicating we must wait.....Thats not the answer we like to hear. But there are countless Scripture about waiting on the Lord.

READ PSALM 27

Psalm 27 is a prayer to God for help. It beautifully illustrates the meaning of waiting on the Lord. Throughout the psalm’s eloquent lines, David expresses authentic faith and courageous trust in God, based on his confident expectation that the Lord will rescue and save him in his time of trouble.

First, we see that we can wait on the Lord by trusting in Him. David expressed great confidence in the Lord, who was his light, salvation, and stronghold (Psalm 27:1–2). This kind of dynamic trust dispels fear and despair: “When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident” (verses 2–3).

We can wait on the Lord by seeking Him. David conveyed his trust in the Lord by longing to be with Him, to commune in God’s presence and worship in His temple: “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). When we hear wait…We don’t stop seeking after God we continue to connect with Him daily!

We can wait on the Lord through prayer, as David did in eager expectation of deliverance (Psalm 27:7–14). David asked God for wisdom, direction (verse 11), and protection (verse 12), wholly believing he would “see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (verse 13). Those who wait on the Lord can fully expect Him to fulfill their hope: “Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3, ESV).

Waiting on the Lord involves the confident expectation of a positive result in which we place a great hope. This expectation is based on knowledge of and trust in God.

Those who do not know the Lord will not wait on Him; neither will those who fail to trust Him. We must be confident of who God is and what He is capable of doing. Those who wait on the Lord do not lose heart in their prayers: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

Waiting on the Lord renews our strength (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting on the Lord by trusting, seeking, and praying establishes our faith and brings serenity and stability: “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. As this passage affirms, waiting on the Lord is also a testimony to others who will see our faith and, as a result, put their trust in God.

We can wait on the Lord in eager anticipation, knowing that He is with us and in control of our lives. He will do what He has promised. He will rescue and save us. He is always working for our good, even when we don’t feel Him (Romans 8:28). Through patient, courageous, active trusting, seeking, and prayer, we can learn to wait on the Lord.

Lessons Learned in the Waiting

1. Patience and perseverance: Waiting on God cultivates patience and endurance within us. As we trust in His timing, we develop a deeper reliance on His faithfulness and provision.

2. Spiritual growth and character development: The waiting period becomes an opportunity for God to refine our character and mold us into the image of Christ. It is through the waiting that our faith is tested, and we learn to depend on Him more fully.

As we navigate the seasons of waiting in our prayer journey, let us remember that God's timing is always purposeful. Though we may struggle with impatience and uncertainty, we must trust in His perfect wisdom and goodness.

In the waiting, let us embrace the lessons and growth that God desires to cultivate within us. May we find comfort and strength in knowing that our Heavenly Father is always working for our ultimate good. As we wait, let us continue to seek His will, knowing that His plans for us are greater than we can imagine. May our hearts remain steadfast in faith, relying on His unfailing love. Amen.

When God Says Yes Section:

As believers, we often find ourselves turning to prayer in times of need, seeking guidance, comfort, and solutions to the challenges we face. And in those moments when our prayers are answered, it is essential that we cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It has the ability to transform our perspective, uplift our spirits, and strengthen our relationship with the divine. When we approach our answered prayers with gratitude, we acknowledge that our blessings are not merely the result of chance or our own efforts, but rather the loving response of a merciful and compassionate God.

Gratitude teaches us humility. It reminds us that we are not self-sufficient, but rather dependent on a higher power. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we are in control of our own destinies, but when our prayers are answered, we are reminded of our reliance on something greater than ourselves.

Moreover, gratitude fosters a sense of contentment. In a world that often urges us to constantly strive for more, it is easy to overlook the blessings that have already been bestowed upon us. When we take the time to express gratitude for answered prayers, we cultivate a spirit of contentment and learn to appreciate the abundance that surrounds us.

Gratitude also opens our hearts to the needs of others. When we recognize the goodness and faithfulness of God in answering our prayers, we are compelled to extend that same kindness and compassion to those around us. Our gratitude becomes a catalyst for acts of love and service, as we seek to share the blessings we have received.

However, being grateful for answered prayers does not mean that we should take them for granted. It is important to remember that sometimes our prayers are not answered in the way we expect or desire. In those moments, it can be challenging to find gratitude. But even in the face of disappointment, we can be grateful for the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the opportunity to grow in faith.

Let us not forget that gratitude is not a one-time expression, but rather a way of life. It is something we must cultivate and practice daily. Each day presents us with new reasons to be grateful, whether it is the answered prayer for physical healing, the restoration of a broken relationship, or the provision of our daily needs.

So, my friends, let us approach our answered prayers with hearts full of gratitude. Let us remember that each blessing we receive is a gift from above, given out of love and grace. May we express our thanksgiving not only in words but also through our actions, by using our blessings to bless others. And may our gratitude be a constant reminder of the faithfulness of God, leading us to a life of joy, contentment, and service. Amen.

I want to leave you all with what Dr. Tony Evans once said “sometimes God rescues us from things. Sometimes He rescues us out of things. And sometimes He changes us in things. Let Him choose. He knows best!”

QUESTIONS:

1.Have there been times in your faith journey where you felt like God did not hear or see you? What was your response?

2.Do you find yourself being a patient person? What are some steps you think you can take to help in this area?

3.How do you respond to God’s answers of Yes, No, Wait?

4. Do you have a time where God told you to wait in prayer and it frustrated you but you saw the situation/or things work our for good eventually?