Contradiction?
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. -John 14:13-14
This verse looks pretty straightforward. Ask, and you’ll receive. But is it that simple? Is this really a blank check to desire whatever we wish?
Consider one of the New Testament’s most godly men: the apostle Paul. He had a “thorn in his flesh” that was causing him some sort of discomfort or pain, and He prayed earnestly to God that his illness should be taken away: “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me” (2 Corinthians 12:8). He even prayed three times, and how do you think God answered his prayer?
An unexpected answer
In a word, God said no. But it wasn’t simply a cold “no,” but it was a revelation that turned out to be even greater and mightier than Paul had ever expected. And God’s answer to Paul has also brought comfort and peace to multitudes of people reading his epistle years after he was alive.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Don’t be surprised if God gives an unexpected answer
The heart of the message is this: have faith in God, that He cares for you and wants the best for you: but don’t lose your faith in Him if He doesn’t answer your prayers exactly how you had expected.
If He hasn’t answered your prayers, then perhaps He has an even bigger and better plan for you than you could ever imagine.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21
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