This period, I tell you can be mad painful. What is the way out? Trust me, I don't know. Lol. I can only mention a few things we need to check when in this phase, after which it would be safe to conclude that God is probably telling us an outright No or He's telling us to wait because He has something better planned for us. (Trust me, it would remain mad painful until "the something better" comes along, but in the end it usually makes sense and is worth it).
Now, the first thing I believe we should check is this, what is your motive? The bible says;
"And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures."
James 4:3 GNT
http://bible.com/68/jas.4.3.GNT
It's so plain and simple. Why am I asking for this? Is it in line with God's word? Am I asking for this so I can downplay someone else's testimony? I could go on....Actually, I'm kind of stuck here; So, I'll stop at this point and pray that the Holy Spirit interprets further in your hearts and gives you a deeper understanding than one can put in words.
The second thing in our checklist can be found in, Ezekiel 14:1-4 which says;
"Some of the leaders of the Israelites came to consult me about the Lord's will. Then the Lord spoke to me. “Mortal man,” he said, “these men have given their hearts to idols and are letting idols lead them into sin. Do they think I will give them an answer? “Now speak to them and tell them what I, the Sovereign Lord, am saying to them: Each of you Israelites who have given your heart to idols and let them lead you into sin and who then come to consult a prophet, will get an answer from me—the answer that your many idols deserve!
http://bible.com/68/ezk.14.1-4.GNT
We can see from the passage above, that the Israelites needed desperately to hear from God. They needed an answer from Him. But He blatantly told them off through the prophet whom they had gone to consult, stating that they had given their hearts to idols and if He was going to respond to them at all, it would be in light of the idols in their hearts. Trust me, we don't want that. God knows our needs more than we know them. He knows what's best for us. Why limit Him with that idol in our hearts?!
My dear friends, before you blame God and lament that He's not answering your prayers, search yourself as honestly as you can without prejudice. Comb through the corners of your heart. Do you see it now? Do you see the lurking idol/idols in your heart? Do you see your own desire being imposed on God's will?
Great. A problem identified they say is a problem half solved. Quickly repent and drop it at the feet of Jesus. Pray and surrender to God's perfect will. You have no idea how He would grant your request. Don't try and work it out in your head. Pray, let go of your logic and watch Him work!
Whoa! There you have it. My own logic ends here. Honestly, though, God's mercy and grace is all we need to get rid of all these idols and keep us on track. Thankfully we have this in abundance, so long as we ask.
Going through a phase like this and you are positive your prayers are not plagued by any of these foxes I mentioned above? Hmmmmmm.....i am not understanding(Hehe); However, always remember, His ways are higher than ours, here's a beautiful song to lift your spirit. Turn it into a prayer, if you may. "Here now" by Hillsong. As always, it's a lyrical video.
Keep hope alive!! Cheers
