FAITH BEGINS WHERE MAN'S POWER ENDS

George Müller (1805-1898) was an evangelist and the director of an orphanage in England. He was a man of great faith and when asked how he could accomplish so much with so few resources, he replied, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”

Our society is obsessed with instant gratification. We do not want to wait for anything, and many people find themselves in debt because they think they need the latest car, house, gadget; right now! This has created a generation that is immature, rebellious, and feeling entitled to just about everything; without working hard to gain what they need or want. But instant gratification is not in God’s dictionary because it does not produce faith and trust in him. In fact, it doesn’t produce anything of spiritual worth, nor does it produce godly character.

The prophet Isaiah said, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,’ says Yehovah” (Isaiah 55:8). He will answer our prayers, but in His perfect timing and in His perfect way.

Waiting is not easy but God tells us to be persistent in our prayers, believing that he will indeed give us the right answer, which could be "no" if He decides that it would not be good for you to receive a "yes" answer for your own good in the long term.

Maybe you get tired of waiting for God to answer your prayers and begin to lose heart. Jesus tells a parable about a widow who repeatedly came to a judge looking for justice from those who had come against her. Finally, the judge said, “Because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (Luke 18:5). Then Jesus said, “Just as this ungodly human judge granted the request of a persistent widow, how much more will God answer you (and fight for you) if you call out to him persistently” (see 18:7).

God never ignores our pleas. His character is love, so in all ways, He does what is in our best interest even though we might not experience the answer right away. God has decreed that your prayer will be answered, so trust in His word as you pray in faith! Whatever His answer is; and it could be "no" to your request and that would be because He knows the end from the beginning, and a "no" might be the best answer for you in the long run. Our God and Father will always deal with us as to what is good for us in the short term and long term to lead us into His soon-coming Kingdom.