Anchor Devotional

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Dry Times

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1

Do you ever feel like God isn’t hearing your prayers? When I feel this way, I’ve usually decided that what is happening can’t possibly be His answer to my prayers. I conclude that He isn’t giving me what I want. I complain that He isn’t acting fast enough. Like a bratty two-year-old, I want it now. I grumble like the prophet Habakkuk did, thinking, “How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2)

Yet God’s timing is perfect. He is in control. He is still on the throne, and His ways are not my ways (see Isaiah 55:8). Revelation 5:8 says that our prayers are a sweet aroma, like incense offered up to God, and that He delights to hear our prayers. Aren’t those reassuring words?

Don’t give up. If anything, be like the widow in Luke 18 who persisted until the judge heard her. Wait on the Lord. Trust His provision and His timing. “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Often, we look back later and see how God did indeed answer our prayers.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Luke 18:1-8

INSIGHT
God always hears our prayers, but we don’t always hear His answers. He loves us and does not ignore us.

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Joshua 3-4
Psalm 98
Acts 22

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