He Hears You

"He hears and answers garbled, wishy-washy prayers."

GOD IS good all the time. He is never not good. He sent Jesus to prove it, yet we still picture Him as angry and obstinate. We say He doesn't answer prayer unless it's us with an Amaury Guichon chocolate creation on display. (https://www.instagram.com/amauryguichon). The truth is we're all chocolate chips, half-melted in the bag. Even Jesus, in His most difficult hour, struggled to pray (Matthew 26:39). There's also Peter, denying Christ, then weeping at realization of what he'd done. Or Paul, blinded by the light, who heard a voice and had his entire vision changed. No man is perfect except Jesus. He had no sin ever, no sin in that hour, and yet, a plea on His lips.

God hears prayer. Please hear me on this. He hears and answers garbled, wishy-washy prayers with certainty and peace. He hears miniscule prayers, overflowing with doubt, and sends assurance. If we're angry and shouting at Him, He doesn't turn a blind eye. He sends the answer we need to enable us to hear him. To trust Him.

Healthy Christians rebuke weak ones all the time and call it instruction. It isn't. Because Jesus will never talk to anyone that way. He is encouragement, especially to the weak. He came to save sinners, those in need of a doctor (Mark 2:17). At whatever place we find ourselves, He will rescue us, always with the love of a generous God who will supply our need, without judgment, anger, arrogance, or hate (James 1:5). Those are the reactions of evil. Christ died for us to have confidence and strength and peace without end. We are to reflect the same. We should sound like Him.

When He spoke in my hour of desperation, I didn’t know Him. Nothing fit the model I’d erected from church instruction. He was so down-to-earth, so real.

We’d walk right past Him and not know Him. His disciples didn’t recognize Him when He shared the Scriptures with them on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:16). This means in physical appearance as well as voice and mannerisms, although it was His breaking of bread that opened their eyes (Luke 24:30). He has no condemnation in Him whatsoever. Not for our language, not for our personal habits, not even for how we’ve messed up or what sins hold us captive. He is forgiveness. Guidance. He is the Way to the Father, the Way out of darkness, the Way to live. He is our future and our hope.

Regardless of all the doctrinal issues that divide us, He is for us. But He asks we see Him, we truly know His Truth, and recognize His Voice from our own.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

"But if—as I'm sure is actually the case—there is anyone among you who lacks insight about why these principles aren't already working, my advice is that you draw near to the side of the giving God to ask your questions with the full expectation of an answer from the One who always generously responds with an open hand to every person who comes to Him. And when you come to Him with your questions, He will not berate, reprimand, or scold you for asking the questions you put before Him—for answers are always generously given to the person who draws near to God to find them." (James 1:5 Renner Interpretative Version)


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com