Good Morning!
I had somebody steal something (work-related) from me. Something of significant value. He took it in broad daylight in front of witnesses. I know where it is, but I can’t get it. Why? The “system” won’t do anything about it. You ask any outsider, and they will say it’s a crime. Ask anyone in the system, and they say it’s not their problem. I get shuffled from one department to another. I am told I have found the last stop, but they won’t even look at my complaint until they get to it. It’s been over a month on that desk. It still hasn’t been looked at. Will it be looked at this month? Who knows!
This isn’t the first time I have seen something so blatant, yet nothing gets resolved. I tell you, it’s very difficult not to by cynical about government when this type of thing happens. Don’t get me wrong, I have lots of friends and relatives that work in the system, and they are very nice people. Still, at times the system works against these nice people. It’s very hard to keep from being discouraged.
Trust me, I have prayed over this situation and many others like it. I’ve prayed alone and with others. I’ve prayed for justice. I’ve prayed like some of David’s tough prayers, if you know what I mean. I’ve prayed for forgiveness, for my own desires of revenge and for the perpetrators themselves. I’ve prayed like the persistent widow. I’ve prayed with confidence that God has heard me. All this and nothing.
I avoid turning my attention to God to ask why he refuses to do something about it. Why? I’m afraid of him. He has his reasons. I know he hears me, but I don’t know why he doesn’t answer my prayer. I really don’t want a dressing down like Job received. God heard me, yet he isn’t answering my prayer. That’s the way it is. Suck it up, buttercup.
Now, if I leave it like that, it sounds like I have resentment towards God. I must be very, very careful to not go there. Why? Because God is good in whatever he does. To resent any one thing he does is to believe he has done something wrong. That’s the basic problem posed in The Garden. How might that look for my problem?
Satan: Did Jesus actually say God would do whatever you asked in Jesus’ name?
Me: Yes, Jesus said that.
Satan: Then why hasn’t he answered your prayer? Certainly, he has heard you, hasn’t he?
From there I could doubt my standing with God, I could work even harder at prayer, or I could doubt what is written in my bible. Or, I can go another route altogether. It is of utmost importance that I do not take the bait of Satan and harden my heart towards God. I am aware of Satan’s schemes. I know Satan is a roaring lion waiting to devour me. I know Satan comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I know Satan is a liar and a murderer. I know no good thing comes from Satan.
Instead, I need to hear and heed the words of my Lord:
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Do I believe this to be true or do I think this is a lie? If it’s true, I would be wise to obey this command.
Father, I don’t understand why you haven’t answered my prayer as I have asked. There has been great injustice served to me. I desire the return of what belongs to me. However, there may be a reason that you have not disclosed to me why you haven’t answered my prayer. I trust Romans 8:28 that says all things will work together for my good. Yes, you will work this for my good. I also know that you will provide all that I need. If something is stolen, you allowed it to happen. You will provide despite the theft. You planned for this all along. So, really, nothing has harmed me. Yes, someone stole something, but I am not truly harmed in the spiritual sense. If I am looking forward and waiting for your return, then I realize that I, too, am not of this world and the things of this world should not interfere and take my focus off you. So, I am settled on that. I shall continue my efforts to recover that which was lost, through prayer and “the system” but will not be discouraged. In fact, I shall be encouraged in my faith in you. See? Satan meant to discourage me. In the end, I have drawn closer to you. Ha! Thank you, Father, for your Word. Amen.
Copyright © 2019 Scott Powers
Satan has a way with stealing our joy, whether it be a few seconds, minutes, weeks or years. But, our minds should be stayed on God, who gives us peace. Although you may not see God answering your prayer, maybe it’s because, what you’re asking for is not what God wants for you, even though it was stolen. Maybe, God is allowing what was “once” yours, to be taken, because you don’t need it anymore. He has something better. Remember when someone takes something away from us, God will return it. Therefore, the person that took from you, is blessing you. He meant it for your harm, but God will cause it for your good. Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) – thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Genesis 50: 19-20 (KJV) – and Joseph said unto them, fear not: for am I in a place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Remember; it’s never between you and the other person, but always between you and God. Let it go, keep your peace with God, and watch Him work it out in a way you never would have imagined. You already know, He won’t fail you.