Daily devotion

Did God Say No? In the Shadow of the Cross

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And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.            Matthew 26:39 KJV

Do you ever wonder if God is listening to your prayers? Does it sometimes feel as if your desires are somehow out of line with the universe? But what about Jesus? Didn’t He pray for God to work out some way that didn’t include the cross? Did God say “No” to Him?

Maybe God’s answer to our prayers is not what we hope for but He looks far ahead past our struggles just as in Gethsemane. On the third day we can see that Jesus wasn’t being ignored and neither are we today. We are each being listened to by a loving Father who quietly waits between our “If it is possible” and “Nevertheless not as I will”. Even when the situation looks hopeless; God not only hears, but He is mysteriously preparing an answer beyond anything we can imagine. When we pray and the answer seems far away we need to remind ourselves that Jesus first drank the bitterness of His cup to later exchange it for a joy that lay beyond the grave.

 

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Prayer: Father -some days it seems that trials are all that lie ahead. Some days it feels as if my prayers are unanswered, but I know that you are listening. Help me to trust that your will is far better than mine and that on the other side of this darkness is a joy that will never fade away.

If We Wonder

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Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

If we wonder where God is in the middle of this crisis take a look at the sunset and you can see that He is still faithful. He gives us His promise that if we look for Him we will find Him waiting for our return.

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Meeting Dad

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As a father  shows compassion to His children so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13 ESV

Back in 1966 when I was 15 I met my dad outside a family courtroom. That day he came to contest my mom’s plan for my adoption by my step father. I really had no idea what was happening as mom went into the judge’s chambers and I was left standing in the hall. Seated by the doorway was a vaguely familiar looking man with his wife and I wondered what he was doing there. Then mom came out looking a bit grim and it was my turn to talk to the judge. I went in alone more curious than afraid wondering what he wanted with me.

“Do you like your father?” The judge asked.

“I don’t know. ” I answered truthfully. I don’t know who my father is.

“Then how would you like the chance to find out ” the judge asked. “How would you like to visit with him one weekend a month?”

This morning as I was reading this verse, I remembered that one day God had also shown up to claim me as His own. I had done nothing to deserve His love forgiveness and compassion but He chose me. Because of the precious blood of Jesus He granted me and anyone in this world who is willing the amazing wonderful and unearned privilege to meet our Heavenly Father and to be included in His family forever!