I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that when God answers prayers sometimes He says yes, sometimes no and sometimes the answer is “not now” But we’ve missed the most common answer of all. Often when we pray, God’s response is “come to me.”
“But God” we whine, “that’s not an answer!”
Yet it is the most wonderful, most perfect answer we could have. God calls us up to Him, to stand with Him on mountain tops while He spreads His perfect love through our lives. Instead of willingly coming into His presence, basking in His unconditional love, and seeking Him on the mountaintop, we’re looking back down into the dark, shadowed valley saying “but, but, but, what about my unpaid bills? What about my wayward child? God, why haven’t you healed my sick sister?”
We’ve got our eyes firmly glued on the circumstances of life, all the while, the God of the universe is gently saying, “don’t worry, my child. I have it all under control. Let me take those problems so you can sit at my feet. I will give you rest. I will give you peace. I will give you hope and comfort despite the storms around you.”
I am convinced God doesn’t always give us the answers we desire because He wants to BE our answer. He is so jealous for our love, He is so faithful to be our full provision, that He wants to be the hope we need. He wants to be the comfort we crave. He doesn’t want to hand us our answer, pat us on the head and send us on our way. His desire is for us, that we would become part of the unity of God, His son, and the Holy Spirit. We can’t be part of that unity if we run off like a little child who finally received that toy they’ve been begging for.
Next time, instead of asking “God, where are you?” ask: “God, where do you want me to be?”