“Trust receives what prayer acquires. So, what prayer needs, at all times, is abiding and abundant trust. Our Lord puts trust as the very foundation of praying. The background of prayer is trust. The whole issuance of Christ's ministry and work was dependent on implicit trust in his Father. The center of trust is God. Mountains of difficulties, and all other hindrances to prayer are moved out of the way by trust and his virile henchman, faith. When trust is perfect and without doubt, prayer is simply the outstretched hand, ready to receive.”
~E.M. Bounds
The trust that is established in the classroom of prayer is far more rewarding than the answer itself. Psalm 113:6 provides us with complete assurance that we pray to a God who “stoops down to look on the heavens and earth.” Although God is lofty and high, He is involved and concerned for His people. Psalm 34:15 reminds us that, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.”
When I begin to pray, I find immediate comfort and confidence in the fact that the God of the universe is “stooping down” ready to listen, and personally concerned for me. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15).”
Continuing in prayer, I release my burdens to the One who has the absolute power to remedy my situation. I am able to make the great exchange, His yoke for mine. In that divine trade, I find rest and a burden that is no longer heavy, but light (Matthew 11:28-30). Because my requests have been made known to God, my anxiety is relieved. The incredible peace of God which surpasses all human understanding takes over, protecting my heart and mind from any further fear or stress (Philippians 4:4-6).”
As I wait on God’s answer, I am gaining strength; “strength that mounts up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31).”
The strength of the eagle’s wings lift it high above the earth, and that’s where I am to live in the wait – in the heavenlies, rising above my circumstances, where God’s Spirit is causing me to soar with great expectation and hope in Him. My outstretched hand is now ready to receive my answer. However, the answer to my prayer is no longer my concern, because my prayers have caused me to trust in His good and perfect plan (Jeremiah 29:11).
Trust is the answer.
love,
Margy
Trust is the answer.
love,
Margy