Answered prayers through the scenic route

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

I have been studying about praying scripture over your loved ones for the last several weeks which led to a truth that made me stop and think. Many times our prayers are not answered on our time frame or in the ways that we might prefer. We need to remember that God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than ours.

The apostle Paul had strongly desired to visit the believers in Rome, but many times the Lord prevented him from going there. Paul’s impassioned desire to go to Rome and God’s soverign no – resulted in his writing the letter to the Romans which we now have the privilege of reading and learning from.

Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel and was eager, even zealous to share the message because he knew it was true. But even when his prayer to travel to Rome was not answered in the way or timing he would have liked, he faithfully continued to do the work that was currently before him.

When he finally arrived in Rome, it was as a prisoner. Paul prayed for a safe trip, and he eventually did arrive safely after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake. When you sincerely pray, God may give you what you ask for. But prior to that, there may be a time of testing and preparation that will enable God to use you more effectively in the fulfillment of your prayer.

The Bible is full of stories where prayers were answered through the scenic route. It was en route to the answer that character was built, lessons were learned and faith was increased. God was actively working in the waiting.

So as you wait for answers to your prayer, remember that God is still working in and through you right where you are to prepare you to receive the answer you seek.