I was thinking about the prayer Hannah prayed and God’s response of giving her Samuel. At first glance, it’s obvious that Samuel is exactly what Hannah asked for – yet there’s so much more.
All she wanted was a male child. Yes, she was willing to give him back to the Lord, which was huge! But God’s purpose for Samuel exceeded Hannah’s vow to the Lord. God gave much more than Samuel. She didn’t know five other children would come out of her prayer. She didn’t know she’d birth a righteous voice in an unrighteous environment, and God would call him to the role of prophet. She didn’t know God had so much more in store for her.
He reveals His purposes in His time. Yes, He answers prayer, but His answers have greater purposes than we can imagine in those moments of pouring out our hearts in prayer.
Joseph just wanted to get out of jail. Hannah just wanted a boy. The woman with the issue of blood just wanted to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment and return home, healed. The disciples just wanted to get to the other side of the lake, as Jesus told them to do. Mary and Martha just wanted Jesus to show up and heal Lazarus – when they called him. Saints, I know you prayed and I know you will honor the vow you made. But there’s a God-purpose behind the answer He’s preparing to give you. And it’s bigger than your purpose.
Yes, Joseph got out of jail. Yes, Hannah had a male child. Yes, the woman with the blood issue touched Jesus’ garment and was instantly healed. Yes, the disciples did make it to the other side of the lake, just like Jesus told them. And, yes, Mary and Martha rejoiced as they hugged their healed brother, Lazarus.
But each of them walked away with significantly more than they ever dreamed. Joseph didn’t know God planned for him to become governor of Egypt and reunite him with his long-lost brothers as he sat in jail. Hannah didn’t know she’d hear “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy” from her five additional children. The woman with the issue of blood didn’t know Jesus would call her out to testify and then tell her her faith made her whole and go in peace!! The disciples didn’t think they’d watch Jesus speak to a raging storm and it cease! Mary and Martha didn’t know Jesus would call their brother back from the dead!
Then there are the times you will also experience life in the camp of, “But I didn’t get what I wanted.” Yes, God still has greater purpose, even in those times. Again, our purpose pales in comparison to His. Yes, it’s difficult to comprehend when the diagnosis is worse than imagined, the prayer for healing denied, the life you dreamed you’d have shattered and you’re left with nothing.
God’s purpose is still greater than ours. Paul received a “no” when he prayed for God to take his thorn in the flesh away. Abel, righteous Abel, was killed by his evil brother Cain – surely God could have stopped that. Look at Stephen – he preached a powerful message that moved the audience to stone him to death. How is that right? God’s purpose still reigns higher than ours, and somehow, beyond our comprehension at the moment, we see the purpose as lost. But God’s purpose is still woven through the answer of no.
Yeah, I know you just want ______. But you don’t know God’s purpose. Yet.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9 KJV)
9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 55:9 KJV)
15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. (Job 13:15 KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)