“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
Some years ago, we were studying how to pray. The author of our study book grew up in an environment where she heard people say beautiful, wonderful prayers. She thought that if she said just the right words that God would do what she wanted. Eventually, she realized that God did not need her to tell Him what to do, and that the words did not have to be perfect. Towards the end of the class, Axzine Woodward said, “We need to say ‘God, Your will, Your way and Your time.’”. That really stuck with me.
When we were so close (a matter of days) to losing my sister and hospice had come to her home, I began praying those words so intensely. They gave me comfort. I was in another room from her, praying those words over and over, about 3:45am, when I sensed she was passing. I got Mom and a close friend from their bedrooms and sure enough, we lost her about 4:30am.
God hears our prayers, even if His answer is negative, even if we are surprised by how He answers them, and even if it takes longer than we want.
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” God’s ultimate plan for each of us is a beautiful life in eternity if we are willing.