Introduction:
-
Some
people don’t believe in prayer – there is nobody to listen
-
Some
believe that prayer is a religious rite
-
Some
use prayer like Aladdin – rub the lamp and a Genie will grant your wishes
-
Want
to look at 4 ways that God answers prayer (not exclusive but common)
-
Preceding
Story
o
While
kings went to battle, David remained in his palace
o
One
evening he saw a woman bathing on the rooftop
o
David
gave into the temptation and committed adultery with her, and the woman became
pregnant
o
To
cover up his mistake he tried to call Uriah back home
to be with his wife, but Uriah refused to come home
o
David
sent Uriah out to the front of the battle so that he
would be killed
o
Then
he married Bathsheba and the child was born
-
2
Samuel 12:15-25
o
When
the child was about to die, David prayed without sleeping or eating
o
David’s
prayer was so fervent that the servants were afraid to tell David that the
child died
o
David
accepted the will of God because he knew that God knew that this was the best
way
o
If
God let this child live, he would have been the next king, and he would have to
live with the circumstances under which he was born
o
Instead
Solomon was born, and he built the temple – God knew who would be the best
ruler
-
God
knows best – in times He will answer your prayers as “no, I love you too much
to give what you are requesting”
-
The
Story
o
Hannah
and her husband were unable to have a child
o
Peninnah was jealous of Hannah because it seemed like Elkanah loved her more
o
Hannah
prayed every day that God would give her a child
o
Eli
confirmed that God heard Hannah’s prayer
-
God
made Hannah wait
o
“In
the course of time” v.20 God answered Hannah’s prayer
o
Even
though Hannah prayed so fervently that she looked drunk
o
Even
though Hannah was so depressed that she lost her appetite and cried all the
time
-
God’s
timing was right
o
Eli’s
two sons were evil, and neither of them were suited to be a high priest
o
The
son born to Hannah was Samuel, and he eventually became the next high priest
o
By
the time Samuel was dedicated to the temple, God had Eli’s two sons killed in
battle when Samuel was just the right age
-
Hannah
waited on God rather than giving up for God’s right timing to answer her prayer
-
Explanation
of Passage
o
Paul
was speaking to the Corinthians about his personal experience about going to
heaven
o
In
Acts 14 Paul was stoned and the people thought he was dead, but Paul was
revived. Many believe that Paul actually died at this time and went to heaven,
but God brought him back to life.
o
If
someone had visited heaven he would boast about it
o
God
gave Paul a “thorn in the flesh” – something that would disturb Paul’s life and
ministry
-
God’s
answers to Paul’s prayer
o
God
gave Paul humility (v.7) – to prevent him from boasting about his experience
§
When
we succeed in life we often begin to boast
§
Having
some kind of difficulty makes us realize that without God we can’t do anything
o
God
taught Paul that persistence leads to patience (v.8)
§
Paul
prayed fervently – “asked God to come alongside him” (Gr)
§
Prayer
allowed Paul to know God’s will and changed his mind to think how God is
thinking (v.9b)
o
God
gave Paul His grace (v.9a)
§
Grace
is not something that God pours from heaven like water being dumped from a
bucket
§
Grace
is the realization that God is always present to help us in our weakness
§
Paul
realized the Holy Spirit’s presence in his weakness
o
God
gave Paul effective ministry
§
When
Paul realized his weakness God gave Paul His power
§
God
will only help us if we asks Him for it
i.
It
was difficult for women to find a job back then
ii.
Her
two sons were to be sold into slavery
i.
God’s
solution started with what she already possesses – oil
ii.
God
provided as the widow was obedient
i.
The
oil would not have stopped flowing if there were more vessels to fill
ii.
We
often think that we will not receive unless we do something – there is no such
thing as a free lunch
iii.
God
is willing to give us more than we can handle
Conclusion:
-
God
always answers prayer
-
Ephesians
3:20