Are You Kidding Me?
Sometimes when something happens that we did not expect, or that is really amazing, we might say, “Are you kidding me?” This is what comes to mind as I consider the following:
“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.” Psalm 116:1
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
“But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.” Psalm 66:19
Have you ever thought about God hearing your prayer? And answering your prayer? The Living God who created all things (you included) and “… he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” Isaiah 42:5.
It is easy to become complacent with our situation and our relationship to God. We can easily forget Who He is, and who we are in relation. While it is true that we have been provided a great (amazing) privilege; “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,” Hebrews 10:19, we must not forget that He is still God, The Holy One. Our attitude before Him is based on being granted a great privilege and not one of insolence.
The idea that God, Creator of the universe, would listen to us and answer, is possibly the most amazing thing you will ever encounter. “I spoke to God about something, and He answered my prayer.” “Are you kidding me?” “No, it really happened.”
Now it needs to be understood that God does not listen to and answer everyone’s prayer. If you are not a child of God, saved by faith in Jesus Christ, the only prayer God will hear from you is a prayer of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9.
However, if you are a child of God, saved by faith in Jesus Christ, you have the privilege of speaking directly to God. He is your Father and He wants to hear from you. This is just a conversation between you and your heavenly Father. Don’t forget who He is. He deserves our extreme reverence (the fear of the Lord).
You don’t have to have someone go between you and God, because Jesus already mediated between you and God. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1Timothy 2:5. This means you should spend some time, just the two of you. God wants to hear from you. He loves His children and wants to listen to our needs. But don’t forget to spend time in worship as well, because God deserves to be worshiped.
So, does it amaze you that God listens and answers your prayer? If it doesn’t, you are missing out on some serious enjoyment. Read your Bible so you will know what you are missing.
Gordon Crook