I Know Whom I Have Believed...


Monday, November 2, 2009

How Long Has He Been Like This?

How long does it take for my prayer to be answered?

Can’t you hear me Lord...

How long will my family be torn apart?

Won’t they ever come home to You...

How long has it been since I’ve had a job?

I just don’t know what to do...

How long has it been since I’ve seen daylight?

It’s so dark, and the night seems so long...

When we cry out to God for answers that seem too long in coming, it’s hard sometimes to look beyond what we see with our eyes. The scriptures are full of promises and reassurances of the loving Saviour as He watches over us and gently guides us along the way.

The greatest assurance that I have is my God knows...the when, where, how, and why...the exact ending to every situation that I raise up to Him in prayer. He has been with me from the start of all these things and reminds me of this through His word.

The story in Mark about the father that brought his son to Jesus after the disciples could not deliver him from the evil spirit, has an interesting question asked by Jesus.

So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"

Mark 9:20-21 NIV

Now we know Jesus knew the answer to that question. He wanted to prove that the miracle that was about to take place could only come through faith in God.

Jesus knew when the boy was taken over by the spirit, and He knew when he would be delivered from the spirit.

Just like He knows me...

He knows just how long I have been waiting for answers to prayers...

He knows exactly where, when, and how His marvelous plan will be unveiled at the appointed time...

I have to do my part and be faithful...and remember His promise...

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Romans 8:28 AMP

Dear child, He knows how long...just press on....



8 thoughts:

Anonymous :) said...

It's hard to wait. And, I've found that (if I'm not careful), as soon as God answers one prayer, I line up a few more. I lived for years in the waiting mode. I agree, just walk in faith believing He's there. You're living out your answers.

Tammy said...

Karen,
God knew that I needed this. My son came for dinner last night and although I love his visits(few and far between) there was such a oppression on him, I wanted him to go home.

I kept asking " God, how long this it going to take?"

Reading Romans 8:28...God has reminded me that this verse is a promise He gave me when my dad died. My son was very close to him.

As my dad took his last breath I thought,how am I going to tell Ryan. He was already a mess, and now this. That is when God pressed this verse on my heart,which I wasn't familiar with.



Sorry for rambling.

love and hugs~Tammy

NanaNor's said...

Karen, Such a great post and so much truth! It is hard to wait and yet if we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, He will bring us through. I am thankful for the 30 yrs I've been waiting for answered prayer because it keeps me dependent on Him, and Him alone.
Hugs, Noreen

Debra Kaye said...

Beautiful devotion today! I was blessed by it.

Hugs to you!

Melissa said...

Your blog is such a blessing! I gave you a bloggy award on my blog. :)

Julie said...

Beautifully written, Karen... your heart is stunning!

Today as one of my children is faced with hardship, I needed to be reminded that Jesus has them....

Thank you!

Andysbethy said...

You always have the right thing to say.
Thanks for being such a fearless speaker of The Word. Thank you also for your many words of encouragement. You lift me up so many times, and I appreciate it more then you can know.

Sharon Lynne said...

It's nice to be reminded that God knows the EXACT ENDING to those things I stressfully raise to him in prayer. A good reminder. Thanks!

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