Tuesday May 3, 2011

Theme: Clue - Q & A

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Today Is The Day - Lincoln Brewster, No Not One - Christy Nockels, Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture, Come Thou Fount - Canvas

Read: Proverbs 3

Think: Pastor Ben went over several questions on Sunday regarding the Christian journey. I found it wonderful that people shared the same questions I had but never wanted to ask publicly in fear of it being a “dumb question.” I find it that some of the simplest questions become the most loaded and complex.

For example, I always questioned prayer. How come God answers prayers immediately? How come it takes forever? How come it feels like God never did answer them?

As I struggle with these questions regarding prayer, I eventually come to my senses and remember that God knows more than me about my past, present and future! God’s ways and thinking are infinite which means- our finite minds could never comprehend but only benefit from God’s response to our prayers.

A while back I was applying to colleges and I remember pleading with God, asking him to allow me to attend a certain university and because of such fervent prayer, I was confident that God was going to grant me that wish! When the envelope came in the mail, I discovered it was a rejection letter! I became bitter, angry and heart broken over this news and had to settle with my second choice.

As I look back, I realized that had I gotten into the university of my dreams, I would’ve never gotten married to my wife and I cannot imagine life without her and I thank God I don’t have to!

Did you know when God called the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, it took them 40 years? It’s a journey that should’ve taken mere weeks but God took them on a very long detour because if the Israelites would’ve taken the short cut, they would’ve landed themselves in hostile territory- possibly never making it to the promised land.  

Here’s the point. God always answers prayers with a yes, no or wait- we may not agree with it, we may even feel abandoned but trust that God has his best for us!             

Do: Think back on a prayer that was answered in a very unexpected way. Write that down and put it somewhere safe. This way when you’re discouraged that God hasn’t answered your prayers, look at that note to remind yourself of God’s love.

Pray: God, help me to trust you with all of my life. 

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.