Surprise - Your Prayers Have Been Answered
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:1-5)
Today’s Morsel: Why do we seem surprised when someone receives the Holy Ghost, get baptized in Jesus’ name, receive a report of being free from cancer, getting a huge pay raise, being selected for a promotion, winning an election, children returning to the church, or someone giving us a gift? Don’t we pray for these things to happen. So why are we surprised when they happen? James said, “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:17-18) When Peter was cast into prison and awaiting execution, prayer was made for him by the church. But when God freed him, the church didn’t believe that he was free. I know that I have spoken to this manna before, but the scenario has not changed. People are still surprised after their prayers for these types of needs every service and throughout the course of each day are met. I don’t think that we should be surprised when these things happen based on our prayers. I think we should be pleased and happy that God has answered our prayers but not surprised. There ought to be somethings we just expect to happen because of His word.
Sing: Thank You, Jesus, for the blood applied; Thank You, Jesus, You, have saved my life. Thank You, Jesus, You, have saved my life. Brought me out of darkness to Your glorious light.
Thought For Today: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15)
Amen, brother Parker. This is exactly what Jesus has been telling me. I've been praying earnestly for several situations. I recently heard a quote from Billy Cole: "At some point it's time to stop praying and fasting, and start eating and believing!". And that once we've received the assurance in prayer, we can praise Jesus for it already being done, until it comes to pass! Hallelujah! I'm thanking Jesus for what He's done!
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