When Promises Compound

Have any of us ever had those times where the problems in our lives seem to come at us one after another after another. It is as if we no sooner resolve one unexpected challenge that another is quickly on its heels. Sometimes the next problem to arrive doesn’t even wait for the previous one to be dealt with, thereby compounding our struggles. Our challenges usually involve unexpected financial needs that pile on top of our recurring monthly obligations. These financial needs may then be further impacted by sudden health issues and/or friction between family members or coworkers. 

We faithfully pray each day for provision which does not arrive. We pray for healing which does not seem to come and we pray for resolution to our relationship issues and those issues only seem to be getting worse. Then the “why” questions begin. 

“Lord, why didn’t you provide for our financial needs? Why didn’t you bring healing or why are our relationship struggles not getting any better?” These are all valid questions, but perhaps through all of this, God is really challenging us to shift our focus and alter our prayers. 

Yes, He is still God and is sitting on His throne. He is still our provider, our healer, our reconciler. Yes, He is very aware of our financial, physical and emotional needs. However, our Lord is more concerned with our spiritual growth and maturity. Perhaps God is waiting for us to pray, not only for His provision in all matters, but for the wisdom on how He wants us to navigate our financial burdens and our health concerns. Perhaps God is wanting us to look within ourselves and pray for what truly matters.

Our growth as a disciple of Jesus revolves around how we approach the difficult seasons in our lives. Do we pray for healing and financial provision and then sit back and wait to see what happens, or do we pray for those things as well as seeking God’s guidance and wisdom on how to live each day while we wait on God? Do we resolve to remain faithful and trust in the Lord or do we allow doubt to creep into our thoughts?

If any of us are facing any type of challenge in our life, let us pray for the provision or healing that we need, and let us pray for the wisdom and guidance to walk each day in the joy of the Lord. Living our lives, despite any struggle or hardship, in a manner that is worthy of our Lord Jesus.

Remember what God tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9 where He said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God hears our prayers, all of them. However, He has a lifetime plan for our spiritual maturity. It is a plan that involves various struggles and challenges, because without difficulties in our lives, there can be no spiritual growth. 

That is why we read in James 1:2-5 where James instructs us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

So, when the difficulties in our life seem to compound on themselves, just remember that it might be God working His plan to make us perfect and complete.