As parents, we have tried very hard to instill the importance of a having a relationship with Jesus Christ. All my kids have attended church since they were born. All of my kids have asked Jesus to be their Savior and all are at different stages or growth patterns in their relationship with Him. We have seen in each of them, at different times, glimpses of who HE is in their life. It is always heartwarming to watch them engage in worship and desire to know His truth and live out His compassion.
This passed Sunday, our youngest, Zachary (4) asked a very, well thought-out question. I mean, you could tell he had thought hard about it...he had put together pieces of what he has learned about the Lord and asked the following:
"Mommy, if God hears everything we ask and can do anything...
will He give us whatever we ask for?"
I am telling you...my little son is so inquisitive about things of God. He comes up with the greatest insights and this moment of wonder, just added to the growing list. It amazes me, how his little heart has already been penetrated with the love of Christ and in his innocence and little 4 year old way, seeks to know more!
Ok...so back to his question...after taking a moment to gather my thoughts so I could give him an answer he could understand, this is what I told him...
God does hear everything...He listens to our prayers and wants us to ask Him anything and talk to Him about everything. But He won't always give us what we ask for, because sometimes what we want, isn't what He wants for us or what is best for us.
He seemed satisfied with that answer for the time being and moved on to his next task.
The answer to His question is one, I think, we have all asked or wondered about at one point or anther in our life. Or better yet how about this...
"If God hears us and can do anything, then why didn't He do this for me? Or why did He let this happen to me? Or why does He he allow hurt or pain? Why does He allow people to be poor or go without? Why does he allow sickness and distruction?"
Any of that sound familiar? If not from our own lips, but from someone we know?
Well, I can tell you that those are questions I would honestly have to tell my son, I don't have the answers to. I simply don't know. We don't know why God does certain things or allows certain things. He may reveal it to us...He may not. Either way, it's not for us to question. We must trust Him and have no doubt that He is just and loving and all-knowing and will only do great things in our life, no matter what happens.
In all of my (almost) 38 years...I am definitly thankful for the answered prayers and blessings...BUT also, maybe even a little more...thankful for those He chose not to answer. Or for those events that I didn't...maybe still don't...understand. I am who I am today, because HE knows what's best...THANK GOD...and didn't give me those things I thought I needed...and allowed the things in my life that may have brought me pain...to make me more and more like Him and bring me closer to Him. In the midst of it all...good AND bad...I can still praise HIM for it all! For that I am so thankful...SO SO BLESSED! Read the words to one of my favorite songs...I hold it close to my heart always!
I will praise You Lord my God
Even in my brokenness, I will praise You Lord
I will praise You Lord my God
Even in my desperation, I will praise You Lord
And I can't understand all that You allow, I just can't see the reason
But my life is in Your hand and though I cannot see You
I choose to trust You
Even when my heart is torn
I will praise You Lord
Even when I feel deserted
I will praise You Lord
Even in the darkest valley
I will praise You Lord
And when my world is shattered, and if seems all hope is gone
Yet I will praise You Lord
Yet I will praise You Lord
I will trust You Lord my God
Even in my loneliness, I will trust You Lord
I will trust You Lord my God
Even when I cannot hear You, I will trust You Lord
And I will not forget, that You hung on a cross
Lord you bled and died for me
And if I have to suffer I know that You've been there
And I know that You're here now
if you are in need of prayer, please let me know and i will pray for you.
if you have praises to share, i would love to hear from you.
