Why God’s answer to Prayer is always ‘Yes!’

Former Executive Editor at Guideposts Magazine, Rick Hamlin is a long-time contributor to the bestselling devotional Daily Guideposts, regularly blogs on prayer at Guideposts.org, and has also published several op-eds in the New York Times. In an article entitled “Why God’s answer to Prayer is always ‘Yes!’”, Rick shared this truth.

One of the crucial lessons Jesus teaches about prayer is persistence. Persistence through our disappointments and setbacks. In the parable of the importunate widow he tells of a widow who kept coming again and again to an unjust judge, seeking justice. Finally, the unjust judge gives in. “I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming” (Luke 18:5).

Jesus goes on to say, “And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? (Luke 18:7).

Persistence gives us a chance to know ourselves in knowing our prayers. We have a better understanding of what we’re asking for.

In another parable Jesus describes a man who wakes up his friend in the middle of the night because he needs some bread to feed an unexpected guest. The friend tells him to go away. The door is already locked, and he’s in bed with his children. In the end the friend finally gets up and gets the bread. Why? Because of his persistence! “At least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs” (Luke 11:8).

Jesus is telling us to be persistent in prayer. Keep at it. Don’t give up. There is an answer God is trying to give us. Not “No” or “Maybe.” There is only “Yes!”

The Apostle Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” Isn’t that wonderful? Eugene Peterson’s Message Bible words it this way (v20-22), “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete” (emphasis added). Isn’t that glorious?

The Lord’s plans for you are amazing, even Bigger than you can ask or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20). His plans are not to hinder you or restrict you or thwart you or limit you. He has the Best in store for you. Jesus declared in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The greatest potential that you could ever hope to experience can only be found in Jesus. So trust Him. Live for Him. Worship and praise Him. Serve and obey Him. You will never regret it!

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This Sunday, April 6, we will conclude our series, “God Works the Night Shift!”, with the glorious truth, “Whether the answer is Yes or No, the answer is always Yes!” (Romans 8:28-39). God always has the Best in store for His children! Even if the immediate answer is No, His bigger plan for you is always Yes! Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us.

Coming Up: Palm Sunday is April 13 and Resurrection Sunday is April 20. Please invite someone to join you for these glorious celebrations.

Aloha ke Akua!