Answered When I Asked

As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given. Daniel 9:23 (New International Version)

I have often thought of my prayers as being “answered” when I could see the manifestation of that answer. I am being taught something profound from the book of Daniel this morning that is altering my view of prayer. According to Daniel 9:23, my prayers, those which are spoken in Jesus’ name and according to His will, are answered as soon as I voice them. The New American Standard Bible says the command is issued at the beginning of my supplication.

When I have read accounts in Scripture of instant healings and deliverances, I have drawn the conclusion that all answers to prayer look like that. When that is not the case, I flounder at Jesus’ words that tell me to ask anything in His name and it shall be given. Because I don’t see instant change in my circumstances or life I assume I have either asked in a wrong way or misunderstood His promise. This morning He is smiling as He tenderly shows me I have asked correctly and His promise has been kept.

So what’s the problem? Why does it seem that the things I have petitioned Him for have fallen on deaf ears? What happened? I failed to understand that time can lapse between God granting my request and me experiencing the answer. It doesn’t mean He hasn’t answered my prayer. It means there are things that must be done in and around me to bring about the full manifestation of that answer. Let me explain.

Four years ago I asked God to give me a walk with Him like the one I saw in another individual. I wanted His Word to come alive to me. I wanted to trust Him with abandon. I wanted to hear His voice and understand His leading in my life. Basically, I wanted a genuine, authentic walk with Him. One that was intimate and personal. When I asked, He answered! What I didn’t realize was there would be a process He would have to take me through in order for that to all be true in my life. The process would entail showing me all that hinders me from walking with Him in that way. Hindrances such as idols of my heart, wrong mindsets, lies I have embraced, and so on. I would have to see the places of bondage and addiction that kept me chained to my former way of living. I would have to learn how to let go of those things in order to take hold of His hand.

This morning is an eye opener for me. I am now seeing all the ways that God has actually been answering my prayer and I didn’t even know it! The difficulties, hurts, disappointments, lessons, and tiny steps of growth have been what He has been using to bring about what I had asked for. I wanted a magic wand waved and He wisely used real life!

Father, I praise You for hearing and answering my prayer. I now realize that every day the answer continues to unfold right in front of me! You once again have me in awe! Amen.

In His Time
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wo-rGzx2OZk