After almost a lifetime of preaching, reading, and hearing sermons on God answering “big” prayers, I believe it boils down to just two simple questions. I mean simple to ask, most certainly not to answer. If the answer to both is in the positive, then there will be a tremendous cost to be paid on the petitioner’s part. A price more than most want to pay! This is why one needs to sit down first and count the cost.
My first inquiry is this, “Do you honestly, from your heart, hunger, thirst, and long to see God do great and mighty things on your behalf, for His glory and Kingdom?” Large prayers answered, akin to those of Bible saints? Those recorded answers to prayer that cause our hearts to leap and burn within us, as we read them? As one remembers they were written for us, for our learning and example.
The second query is not as easily answered. It is cause for much deep thought; it should not be responded to with an impulsive spirit. There is to be much soul searching before a “Yeah” falls form one’s lips. My question is, “HOW LONG ARE YOU WILLING TO WAIT?” It may be years of long, agonizing waiting. And during such times all you can do is cling to such promises as, “Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
God’s Word tells us, “They shall not be ashamed that wait for me.” There were no blushing faces among the likes of such saints as Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Joshua and Caleb, along with a host of others who waited long periods of time before seeing the evidence of their faith fulfilled. Nor will you, my beloved, who have risked everything on God. He always comes through for those who are willing be last in line, waiting patiently!
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