Answered Prayers
My pastor said that, “God answers prayers incrementally.” We expect God to do the big things and forget about the baby steps. We want a house, but our credit is jacked. We want a car, but our license is suspended. We want long life, but have poor eating habits. We have to do the work. We have to be good stewards. We have to be responsible with the talents and blessings he’s already given us. God answers our prayers when we are ready for the responsibility that comes with them, not just because we asked. The key to answered prayers is enduring the process. Show thyself approved. Be in position to be blessed.
Desire
Psalm 37:4 (KJV) Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Desires change over time. When I was young, I wanted to be old. When I was single, I wanted to be married. When I was in school, all I wanted was to graduate. We change too, as we receive the desires of our heart. Sometimes, we are grateful for answered prayers. Sometimes, we are grateful for unanswered prayers. Maturity changes our desires. Experience changes our desires. God changes our desires. The scripture says, "delight yourself in the Lord." When you delight yourself in the things that matter to God, your desires will align with the things of God. What is God's desire for your life? Who does God desire you to be? God's desires for you should work in tandem with your own personal desires.
