Weighing The Outcome Against Expectation

This entry is part 4 of 6 in the series Prayer

Pray For Their Pardon
Pray Without Ceasing
Praying For Others
Weighing The Outcome Against Expectation
Prayer and Confession
Prayer And Obedience

Have we ever prayed for an outcome in our circumstances and discovered after the fact that God, the Father, had already put into motion His answer? What does this tell us about how differently He views prayer? Is He weighing the outcome against expectation? Does He wait for us to give Him glory and witness His answers to others? Or, does He know that the changes that will be exhibited in our spirits are witness enough?

Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14: 12-14 NASB2020

When we use the name of Jesus in our prayers do we recognize we are participating in His GLORY? Are we aware that we are inviting the Holy Spirit to exercise His power in our words and our expression of our love for God? Do we comprehend that we are participating in Jesus’ mission to intercede for us and His lost and hungry sheep?

Whether we give Him thanks, ask Him for provision (for ourselves or others), confess our wrongs, or express our adoration, prayer changes things. It changes us. It changes our circumstances. It changes the outcome of battle. It changes how we present ourselves to others and to God. But, it doesn’t change God. No, in His glory, He is the Alpha and Omega, unalterable, unmovable, and unable to waiver. By drawing closer to Him, we draw ourselves and others closer to the light, illuminating the Way, and uncovering the truth that is Jesus Christ.

In our obedience to lay all our issues, challenges, failures, desires, and expectations at His feet (on the cross,) we give witness to the path that leads to FREEDOM (and for freedom’s sake He set us free,) and the GLORY of God. This is our sacrifice, and our admission that our needs are secondary to realizing His SALVATION of the lost and enslaved.

Father God, in the name of Jesus, please comfort us, empower us, and bless us, that the Name above all names be glorified and enshrined in our hearts. That others may see this GREAT LOVE and be drawn to His side. So be it.

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