It's ironic, but the less I "have" to do, the fewer of the "have-to's" I get done. Since school has been out, my mornings have been a bit more more my own, and during that that time, I have not had one blog post or genuine Bible study/prayer time. I could never be a work-at-home person.
Thank you God for not ignoring me even when I ignore you.
Acts 12:2-3a 2He (King Herod) had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.
Blackaby makes an interesting point with this scripture. He writes that "it is an affront to your Lord to continue pleading with Him when He has clearly said no." James- executed. Peter- spared. Surely the church in Jerusalem prayed for James also, but to no avail. Were the prayers less fervent for James? Did the Sunday School class that prayed for Peter have greater faith? Or maybe, just maybe, it was God's will that James should perish and Peter live a while longer.
I would agree that once "no" has been given as an answer it becomes wearisome to have the request continually repeated. BUT, how do we differentiate between a "no" and a "not now"? In 2 Corinthians we learn that Paul prayed three times to have the "thorn from in (his) flesh" removed. Yet God chose to not heal Paul. In fact, Paul took that affliction and turned in into a matter of praise.
Should we ever stop praying for the healing of a family member? Does even that prayer "heal so-and-so, but if it be your will he/she remain sick, then Your will be done" even grate on God's nerves when He has answered, "No."? Hmmm. . .
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