Patience in Prayer
Mary Loudermilk

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1).

My prayer list currently has some very serious needs on it. Several friends face extremely difficult situations, and we are praying daily for their miracle. We feel peace, even when we don’t yet see the evidence of that miracle. We also realize God works for our ultimate good, and the answer He provides is not always the one we thought we needed.

Psalm 40 tells us David waited patiently for the Lord to respond to his prayer. Ah, patience! That’s not a word we enjoy. We are more of the “microwave mentality.” Push a button and have our answer in a minute or less. Sometimes God does answer instantly; sometimes He doesn’t. God promised Abraham he would have a child, but he waited twenty-five years to see the birth of Isaac. Joseph endured thirteen years of slavery in Egypt until it was God’s perfect time to bring him before Pharaoh. Moses spent a forty-year preparation period in the wilderness before God sent him back to Egypt to deliver the Israelites.

Often, we do not see what God is doing behind the scenes. Just because we see no visible progress in our situation doesn’t mean He isn’t working. Along with patience we need trust. Trust that God knows what you need. Trust that God does all things well. Trust that He loves you and is working in your behalf. Trust that even if the answer isn’t what you wanted, His plan for you is perfect. Wait and trust. It’s not an easy assignment, but ultimately God will show you His plan. The answer will come.

“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36, English Standard Version).

Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting. The perfect answer is on the way.

Prayer: I know, Lord, You hear me when I pray. I also know I’m often impatient in waiting for Your answer. Help me to trust You that the answer, Your perfect answer, will come when the time is right. You are working in ways I cannot see to fulfill Your plan in my life. Thank You that You hear me and will answer me in Your good time.

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The above article, “Patience in Prayer” was written by Mary Loudermilk. The article was excerpted from www.moretolifetoday.net. 

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