Unanswered Prayers
All prayers are not answered by God. He does not answer those who have rejected Him and those who are going their own way like King Saul had done.(I Samuel 28:6,16) This passage contains a valuable truth for us.
Many people want to make all of their own decisions and live independently from God as long as things are going pretty well. Then, when trouble comes, they want to pray and have God do whatever they ask. God will not be manipulated in that way. In fact, if a person is a believer like Saul was, God does not just remain silent when he prays, but God becomes his enemy to oppose what he is doing. Yes, that is correct. God is not going to let his children go their own way without doing what it takes to show them the truth.
I have said many times that God will not be used as a spare tire for us to use temporarily, and then put Him back in the trunk. He hates for people to think that way. He is Lord. He will stand up for Humself. He will oppose those who belittle Him. Yet, He still loves all of us. He did eventually answer Saul, but the answer was not what He wanted to hear. However, God worked out His will. If Saul would have listened to God and obeyed Him, things would have been much different. That is true for us, as well. Start trusting the Lord, if you want your prayers answered. Stop trying to use God. You do not like being used, neither does He.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 29-31.
Many people want to make all of their own decisions and live independently from God as long as things are going pretty well. Then, when trouble comes, they want to pray and have God do whatever they ask. God will not be manipulated in that way. In fact, if a person is a believer like Saul was, God does not just remain silent when he prays, but God becomes his enemy to oppose what he is doing. Yes, that is correct. God is not going to let his children go their own way without doing what it takes to show them the truth.
I have said many times that God will not be used as a spare tire for us to use temporarily, and then put Him back in the trunk. He hates for people to think that way. He is Lord. He will stand up for Humself. He will oppose those who belittle Him. Yet, He still loves all of us. He did eventually answer Saul, but the answer was not what He wanted to hear. However, God worked out His will. If Saul would have listened to God and obeyed Him, things would have been much different. That is true for us, as well. Start trusting the Lord, if you want your prayers answered. Stop trying to use God. You do not like being used, neither does He.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 29-31.