That's Not What I Meant

The old joke goes something like this: There was a woman who prayed for patience. So, God gave her a son. (Laughter follows.)

It took me several years to understand that one. But it holds true. We keep thinking God is going to hand us the answer on a silver platter. But it doesn't work that way. To get to a victorious end result there is a hard and sometimes confusing middle that requires work and effort.

Elijah told kings who wanted a victory over a rebellious nation to dig cisterns to catch the water. That wasn't the answer they were looking for. They wanted an easy out. But it took work to get the victory God intended for them.

I'm sure Daniel and his family prayed that the hearts of their fellow countrymen would return to God. And look what happened to him. He was captured, made to work in the palace, taught the ways of the conquering country and then told to eat food he wasn't suppose to eat. They worked hard and risked their lives to prove their God was greater than anything Babylon had to offer. And in the long run the people did return their hearts to God. Ah, victory.

As I hear people telling church members to pray for a spiritual revival in this country I have to ask myself how far will we fall? Will we be invaded like Israel was (oh, so, many times)? Will we have to risk death, go without electricity, experience massive tragedies? What will it take to gain our country back for God?

Only He knows what will work. And no matter what it takes, God will bring us back to him. And He will stand victorious over this country.