UNCOMFORTABLE ANSWERS 

To keep me from becoming proud, l was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7 NLT 

The Father always responds to your petitions. However, His answers don’t always come in the manner you expect or prefer. The apostle Paul understood this. The Lord didn’t remove the thorn as Paul asked. Yet through his time in prayer, Paul received a new understanding of God’s grace and a more profound dependence on His strength.

Likewise, there are times God gets your attention by being silent, answering no, or telling you to wait. During such seasons you are wise to conduct a spiritual self-examination. Are you requesting something for the wrong reasons or that’s outside of His will? Have you disobeyed Him in any way?

Friend, when God answers your prayers in a manner that’s uncomfortable, it is because He has something far better for you that He doesn’t want you to miss. So if He doesn’t respond in the way you expect, like Paul, allow Him to redirect your focus to the needful areas of your life-such as building your faith and character. Continue to listen and expect whatever He reveals to bless your soul.

Lord, help me hear you clearly and accept Your answer to me with gratefulness, amen. 

In His presence… accept however He answers you.

Stanley, Dr. Charles F.. Every Day in His Presence (p. 180).