Message #19 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series
"Asking - God’s Way"

by Kaye Johns

Growing discouraged can happen to any of us in our prayers, especially if, as best we know our own hearts, we are children of God, who have confessed every known sin. Even when we are living in close fellowship with the Lord, it may seem as though He isn’t hearing and responding to our prayers.

When this happens, we must rest in the arms of Almighty God, trusting that He knows best. We must acknowledge that even though His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts [Isaiah 55:8-9], and we may never understand what is happening this side of heaven, we are confident that He is hearing and answering in ways we cannot understand.

This is a time to put Paul’s admonition to work: in Philippians 4:6-7, he wrote, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

We approach the throne of grace with confidence [Hebrews 4:16], praying as best we know. We trust our Lord, and we leave our requests and our concerns with Him. And when we do, His peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. He is our God of Hope, Who will fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him [Romans 15:13].

Pray with me now -- Lord, there are many reading these words Who are so discouraged. Give them the gift of Your faith, that they may surely rest in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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