DV020303

Woodhaven Baptist Church

3 February 2003

Dear Friend,

James 1:6 says: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."

Acts 12 relates the story of how Peter was in prison for preaching God's word and the church gathered to pray for his release. While they were praying the Lord released Peter from prison, and he went to meet with the church. Rhoda went to answer the door and saw that it was Peter. She told the church, to which they replied it couldn't be because Peter was in jail.

Many times we pray without truly believing that God listens or cares or is capable or willing to answer. We pray because we have been taught to pray. When God answers sometimes we brush it off as coincidence or medicine or anything other than God answering. The early church had their prayer answered before they even expressed their prayer verbally and couldn't believe when God answered them. The other day I faced a similiar situation. I just hung up the telephone with a friend, and I wasn't really listening. I care about this person and wanted to make sure all was well, but I didn't really pay attention to what was said or more importantly how it was said. The Lord convicted me of my inconsideration. I took a walk and prayed that I would be more available for the Lord to the people He sends my way. I prayed, "Lord, open my eyes to their needs, open my ears to their pleas." As these words were leaving my breath, a man waved me down and came running over to me. My first thought was hey buddy, can't you see I'm busy praying to make myself more available to the Lord and who He sends my way. Then I thought better of that, and realized that God answered my prayer by sending this person to me even before I prayed the words. This gentleman did need help, physical and spiritual.

It is glorious when God answers a fervent prayer made in earnest faith. It is even more glorious when He not only answers our faith-filled prayers but also our faithless prayers. He not only gives to those with weak faith but also shows us He is always listening and will answers those prayers which are made according to His will.

What have you been praying for without truly believing you will receive an answer? What have you been praying for without truly believing He is listening? I confess there are many times when I ask out of habit rather than faith. I grow when I start asking God how does He want me to pray for a particular situation. Then I pray towards that goal with faith. When He asks you to pray in a certain manner, He has the prayer already answered for you.

With love,

Pastor Scott Patz

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