Do you ever think God has amnesia?

Do you ever think God has AmNeSiA?

Do you think God forgot? Oh no, he didn't forget your prayer, I assure you!

Hmm, I don't know--maybe the prayer that is answered more often than any other has just eight words-two words, repeated four times: "Oh God, oh God, oh God, oh God!'                                   

We pray these words as we come to the end of ourselves, of what we are able to manage and control, and realize that only God can effect change ... only God can save ... and certainly that God is indeed mighty to save!1  Note: as long as self is in the way, there Is not much room for God, whether we pray or not. 

Yet when we cry out to God, he hears and he comes. He promises, 'when you call upon me, and come and pray to me, I will listen.'2   It is in our deepest need, God meets us; in fact, God uses our deep human need as a springboard to accomplish his purposes.3  Have you ever noticed that God specializes in redeeming hopeless situations?

What seems hopeless in your life right now? Physical pain that threatens to undo you?

Or maybe you've lost hope that your wayward son will find his way back to God? Perhaps he is in the ravages of some addiction. Remember it is the Father's heart to turn your son's heart, draw him back to Himself, and to you. God specializes in bringing that which was lost home again. Do not lose hope, Friend. Jesus, in Luke chapter 15 talks about three things of value lost, three things found. So good. 

Claim this promise as you think and pray for your loved one: 

 God, who began the good work in you, will continue his work within you,

 until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1.6

or as I memorized,

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you

will be faithful to complete it on the day of Christ Jesus.

Does it seem like all hope is gone that your marriage could be whole? Cry out to God, ask him to breathe life into seemingly dry bones. He specializes in that-Ezekiel 47. Beware: in healing your marriage or another strained relationship, he might start with you; he might suggest as Paul did, that you have the same attitude of Jesus Christ: humility.  

"But Christine, 'you know how long I' been prayin' God would...?" No, but he does. Don't grow weary in praying, don't give up or lose hope; don't be afraid to simply pray or sob, "O God, O God, O God, O God!! I am desperate for a touch from you!" God hears your prayer, and he will lovingly comfort you.

When the man after God's own heart, David, was overwhelmed by his circumstances, he found relief in God when he prayed. Consider his words, 

"Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me.  You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay."4. Prayer assures us that God is on the job, and employs our faith that he is at work.

God promises peace when we pray- 'Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. And the God of peace will keep your hearts and minds quiet and at rest as you trust in him.' 5

When someone asks if I will pray for her I oft ask,                                                                             "What would you like God to do for you?" 

 The question crystallizes what is wanted, what is needed . . . so, Friend, what would you like God to do for you? What do you NEED God to do for you? Perhaps, you aren't even sure how to answer, but you know you need a touch from God. It is then that you might cry out, "O God, O God, O God . . . O God! In your wisdom, in your love, come and do what only you can do."

 He is big enough . . . he is good enough. Never forget, Christian--the Lord your God is with you, and he is mighty to save. So take him your needs: ask him to heal, lead, comfort, restore and save. And that prayer you have been praying for your son, for your daughter, Bethany? God does not have amnesia. He does not forget your prayer, and he is always at work,6 even if you do not see it. Be encouraged!

Consider this truth in song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMvTqnCSDao

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 - Zephaniah 3.17

2 - Jeremiah 29.12

3 - Jim Cymbala, Breakthrough Prayer, p.145                                                     

4 - Psalm 40.17

5 - Philippians 4.6,7

6 - John 5.17