"Nuggets of Gold" KEY TO ANSWERED PRAYER Freelance writer Lupie Riley

Thought:  I've come to the conclusions through past experiences that God answers prayer in three distinct ways; YES, (move forward), NO (doors closed), WAIT (patience).  For me the ladder was the hardest to put into practice.  But, we need to remember God lives in eternity and already see’s the picture completed from beginning to end.  It’s been said, “patience is a virtue” and we need to embrace it as part of our character traits.

Along with patience comes a great deal of TRUST.  When Paul released his physical problem to God he allowed the Lord to go into action.  When we are self sufficient and think we have all the answers we deny the Lord the opportunity to do what He does best. He not only gives us wisdom to make the best decisions but throws in a show of his power through miracles.  When we recognize God’s hand in our lives, moving and shaking, our prayers do ge answered through any of those three distinct ways.

Our part is to release our self will to Him and completely submit to His will.  When Mary heard the news that she was with child her answer to the Angel was “do with me what you will.”  Submission to God’s purpose and plan opens the way for Him to reveal to us what He can do.  It not only takes action and submission on our part but obedience to His instruction.  “If you to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; he will not resent it (James 1:5).  An old song from days gone by says it all.  “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but tot trust and obey”.  The Lord is ever so faithful to fulfill His promises when we begin to trust him with the answers.  LET GO AND LET GOD HANDLE IT !

Prayer:  Father God, you always have the right answers for us when we allow your will to become our will and depend on you to take us in the right direction.  You are the good Shepherd that leads, protects, strengthens and rescues us from danger.  Amen

Verse:  Phill. 4:6,7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for your answers.  If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com