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After you get a long-awaited prayer answered, don’t get so excited that you trash the box it came in. What I mean is, we shouldn’t overlook the framework—the spiritual lessons that we learned as we waited for our blessings. Lessons like patience, humility, and other godly characteristics that crucifies the flesh, conforms us into His image. I think what we learn during the “wait” is more important to God than the answered prayer itself.
“Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, you feed him a lifetime.” There are those who question the origin of this old saying; nevertheless, I think it explains perfectly the importance of growing in knowledge.
What are you learning?
Take the time to think about what the waiting period has taught you or is teaching you spiritually. If your prayer has already been answered, what did you gain besides getting the answer you wanted? If you only focused on the end results and bypassed the lessons along the way, then I’m afraid you trashed the box. Go get it—and reflect!
Those struggles you went through in order to remain faithful during the wait, formed spiritual muscles that will come in handy when you have to trust God in the future. In addition, the ups and downs your faith went through can benefit others when you share your testimony.
Even if your prayer wasn’t answered the way you wanted it, there are some valuable lessons hidden in disappointments. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand, so the letdowns won’t stifle your spiritual growth.
The dynamics of the box:
Listed below are some of the valuable lessons I’ve learned, and still learning as I wait for my prayers to be answered. Your list might include some of the same things, or it might differ. Spiritual growth plans are individualized.
Intimacy – I’m drawn more to God. The more time I spend with Him—the more time I want to spend with Him.
Patience – I’ve learned to appreciate my present moment.
Discernment – My ability to discern the Holy Spirit’s directions is becoming clearer.
Peace – I’ve learned to value stillness.
Faith – I’m learning how to let go and trust God.
God uses every opportunity to grow us into His likeness. Think about what you are learning as you wait for Him to answer your prayers.
Don’t trash the box!
© 2019
See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.