God challenged Jeremiah, saying, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." And over six-hundred years later, Paul wrote, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Each of these men had two things in common: Firstly, both were shut-up, shut-in, and shut-out from any type of outward ministry. They were placed in impossible situations. And secondly, this twosome believed there was no restraint on God's part in such dire conditions, no matter how impossible it might seem!
I read a little pamphlet years by a hyper-dispensationalist, who said the only prayer promise today for the Gentile Christian, in the Church age, is Philippians 4:6-7. We are, said he, to simply make our request known to God, and not to necessarily expect an answer to our petitions. Answers to specific prayers were to the Jewish Nation alone. But this is not what Paul taught his Gentile converts. Listen to him as he enlightens and encourages believers at Rome: "Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also."
Those early New Testament Christians would have joined us, I'm sure, in singing, "It is no secret what God can do; what He's done for others He'll do for you." Part of that faith that pleases God is believing He answers prayer, not just hears it. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." The Psalmist tells us, "Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them."
And He will us also, dear ones! For their God is our God.
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