why we don't get what we pray for

Jesus tells us something very important today in the One Year Bible. Our reading is from Matthew 17:10-27. Jesus says that with just a tiny amount of faith, we can move a mountain. Because nothing is impossible with God.

So since that's true (not IF it's true... Jesus said it, that makes it truth), why aren't more of us moving mountains? Why doesn't He seem to answer all of our prayers?

Well, there are two big answers to that question. One comes from the book of James. James tells us the exact verbatim answer to that exact question. He says, "When you DO ask, you ask with the wrong motivation, to squander it on your pleasures." (4:3) Just think about what you would LITERALLY do with a million dollars if God gave it to you. Buy a nicer house? A better car? Two cars? Eat at expensive restaurants? Or... would you use it to help the poor? Most of us are pretty selfish, and we'd use the money to do the same things we're doing now, just a nicer version of them. That's one reason God doesn't answer our prayers... we're asking for the wrong things, for the wrong reasons.

The other big reason we don't get our prayers answered is because we're impatient. Is God calling you to get married? Have children? Do something with your creative talent? But years go by.... and you're still single? Still without children? Still without a best selling whatever it is you do? Keep working at it. Keep looking for that spouse. Keep trying to have kids. Keep working on your talent. The best things in life are worth working... and waiting... for. Don't be like the little kids who ask for something and get upset while the parent is still deciding if the answer is yes or no. Wait patiently on Him. And He'll reward that patience.

God, thanks for teaching us that we can move mountains... and our little molehills... if we learn to ask for the right things and wait.