Specificity

"And He replies with kindness and an abundance of encouragement."

PRAYER DOESN’T get answered simply because it’s specific. And we’re back to the immense chocolate confection, fully edible, and elaborately painted. (https://sdwauthor.blogspot.com/2026/01/he-hears-you.html) Sometimes when it’s too specific it’s of the mind and not the heart.

When God gave Moses the design of the tabernacle, it was specific and of amazing craftsmanship (Exodus 25:8-9). But I have news for you, if they’d made any slight change, God wouldn’t have been mad. On the other hand, Ezekiel had a vision of false gods inside the temple in Jerusalem, so he’d know how far worship had fallen (Ezekiel 8:7-9).

Coming at this from another angle. In a video, young Jewish boys danced to Adonai, dressed in the formality of Jewish men of modern life. It was both touching and spurred a thought about the disciples and the apostle Paul. Because here were men who’d worshipped as required by the Law who now did not obey it (Galatians 2:12). What boldness that took and how much curiosity and head-shaking it must have received. To many, they’d fallen away.

How does this relate? God is both touched by the dedication of faithful Jewish worship. It has become indicative of His people. And He yearns for them to know their Messiah because obedience to Old Covenant Law isn’t required. Jesus came. We have a New Covenant (Matthew 26:28).

God bless Israel and the Jews.

Specific prayer is not a bad thing unless you are so tied to it, you can’t trust God otherwise. I’m not a specific person in most things. I’d rather not know details and don’t, in general, plan things. Yet, God hears my prayers and answers. Even greater, He’s answered them before I knew to pray. He is mercy.

Prayer is, instead, about relationship. Every answer we need from the most serious to the lighthearted comes from knowing God intimately. It comes from trust. Are we trusting in our ability to pray according to man’s rules or in God’s merciful, generous heart? This has held me in place, upright and believing during the wait for the answer. I say I believe. But, gee, God, this is taking a while and [insert complaint], and He replies with kindness and an abundance of encouragement.

“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)

I’ve said this here may times, but God is not NOT going to answer your prayer. Even if it’s completely unscriptural, He will give you an answer if you listen, and He’ll alter your desire for what’s wrong with what’s right and His heart for you. Years ago, I prayed to want to want to read the Word. I had no interest in it at all, nor even being interested in it. Now, it’s my continual delight.

Never let the words of men discourage you from praying. Pray from where you are at, be honest, then listen. God will find a way to speak where you will hear it.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash


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