Answer Me!

We have all done it!  We have all asked a question then followed it with "Answer Me!" When we don't get a response fast enough.  Admit it, you've done it.

I recall my mom doing it when we were growing up and I have done it myself.  Why is that?  We can't wait for a response-we want it now.  Why did you eat that cookie?  Why did you watch that movie? Why did you lie? Sometimes our questions are endless.  It is easier when we have control because we can "demand" an answer or a quick response. 

As I write this I think of a friend whose daughter is head over heels for her boyfriend.  They have dated a couple of years and will graduate in a few weeks.  I can not imagine her boyfriend taking her to the Hobby Center to watch Cinderella and at the end of the show having the cast members call her on stage while her boyfriend, dressed as the prince, comes from behind the curtain, drops to one knee and asks "Will you marry me?" Do you think she will say "I'll let you know next week?"  I doubt it. 

But we may not always get instant responses...especially from God.  Perhaps its been a while since you've been praying for that sick relative or that that financial problem or that nagging issue that will not go away.  In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul asked God to "remove his thorn" three times and God's response was "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." [v9]  That was Paul's request and one we are probably all familiar with but let's look at an example on the other side. 

When Abraham was in advanced age, he sent his servant in search of a wife for Isaac. Not just any wife.  A wife from his own country [not a Canaanite].  So the servant goes in search of and travels until evening.  He knows it is time for the women to draw water from the well. 

Then he prayed, "O Lord God of my master Abraham, give me sucess today and show kindness to my master Abraham. [Genesis 24:12]  Not only does he pray that prayer but then he gets specific. 

May it be that when I say to a girl "please let down your jar that I may have a drink she says, 'Drink and I'll water your camels too'-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac.  By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." [V14]

Wow-that is specific but I like the next verse."Before he had finished praying..."  Before he finished praying, God was answering the prayer as Rebekah was walking to the well.  Not only giving him an answer but an answer specifically to what he had prayed as Rebekah offered him water then watered his camels. 

How's that for an answer?  Abraham had been faithful and honored God.  God was fulfilling his promise of making Abraham the father of many nations.  He would keep that going through his son Isaac.  The same son Abraham was prepared to offer as a sacrifice in obedience. [Genesis 22]

When I ask myself  "Why don't I get an answer?"  I also have to evaluate my obedience to God.  How do I handle those "You want me to do what" moments?  I also have to understand that "No Answer" in my eyes may very well be God's answer. 

When we get ahead of ourselves and we make a move because we are tired of waiting or not satisfied with the progress, the results may be a lifetime of regret.  Remember, we can not see what is ahead but He can.  Sometimes no answer is sparing us.

Not every answer has to be like a proposal...yes, yes, yes.  God may not answer immediately but I do know that in His time, he will give me an answer.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55: 8-9