Isaiah 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Over the last week, God sent some rain to this parched area of the country. While we didn’t get any at our house, we have seen and heard the storms around us. And we are grateful for and with those who have received that gift. Even though we didn’t get rain, the clouds and showers kept the temperatures down in the low 90s rather than the triple digits we have been having, and for that, too, I thank and praise God.

Have you ever noticed that when people get what they have asked God to do for them they say, “God answered my prayer!” What they mean is “God answered my prayer in the way I wanted Him to answer.” I’ve also heard people say “God didn’t answer my prayer,” when in fact He gave them an answer they didn’t want to hear.

The reality is that God hears and answers every prayer offered with faith in Jesus.

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

When we offer up our prayers in faith, we can be confident He hears and answers them. Every single one. The problem is we don’t always acknowledge Him when He says “No.”  But that is a legitimate answer. So is “Not now” or “wait awhile.” Paul recognized a “No” he received from God to His petitions.

2 Corinthians 12:8–9a Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

God, a loving Father, is going to answer in the way that is best for you. Sometimes it will be what you request. Sometimes He will say no. Sometimes He has something better than you asked for in store for you. He knows how to give good gifts.

Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

You know from God’s Word how giving God is. He already gave you His best when He sent Jesus. He has given you the payment for your sin so that you can have eternal life, which begins when you have faith in Him. Forgiveness is a reality in your life for Jesus’ sake. And God does not stop there. He invites you to come to Him with your wants and desires in Jesus’ name.

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Prayer is a simple thing. It is talking to God and making your requests known to Him. He will answer. It may not be the answer you are seeking, but it will be the answer that is best for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I thank God for the recent rain. I will continue to implore Him to give us relief in the form of more rain. I know He will answer in His time and in the way that is best for me.