Over the years I have noticed something…something missing from our prayers. His Glory. We fail to recognize we are talking to “THE” Creator of All Life (Isaiah 40:28, Isaiah 43:15) …the God that “knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21). When Moses asked God, how he should tell the Jewish leaders by who’s authority he spoke, God said, “I AM WHO I AM” …” ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14) He is Sovereign Almighty God. (1 Timothy 6:15)

But what about our prayers? Does God actually hear them? We find throughout scripture God hears our prayers. “but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” (Psalm 66:19). Our prayers are precious to Him. We find in Revelation 8:4, “And the smoke of the incense ascended from the angel’s hand with the prayers of the saints before God.”

Over the last few years, we have seen great division & change in our culture. Many Christians feel this is a unique experience. But is it? Because people do not know or fail to go to scripture to guide their choices & behaviors, they not only miss the Blessing but fail God School’s Pop Test and fail to represent the Lord properly.

 Let’s go back in time to a young boy. He had it all. He would have been the “Most Likely To Succeed” in the class annual. He and his 3 buddies were the smartest & best. And then they were snatched up and taken to a foreign & evil land. Today our response would be, “That’s not fair!”  But the king went even further. The king put them into his indoctrination program to change what they believed. He changed their names. He even ordered what they were to eat. This story is found in Daniel. What is missing?

We don’t find Daniel or his 3 buddies ranting about the king/boss/co-workers/pastor/, NO! in fact they loyally did their jobs. In fact, they excelled. But they did not compromise their faith. Daniel was told he would have to eat the royal food, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine” (Daniel 1:8). That’s great but read on. In verse 9, “Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel”. The story gets better.

Daniel is full of examples of focusing on God…His Glory…His Promises and not the problem. One of the many “No-Matter-What” stories of Trusting God is when the 3 buddies, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (renamed by Nebuchadnezzar), are given a do-or-die ultimatum. They were ordered to bow to the king’s statue or be thrown into the “blazing” furnace. Ponder their response. They said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-17). Did you notice the “But even if…” power statement of confidence? Only God can provide this Confidence!

But what is missing? What is missing is the same thing missing from Paul in all his difficulties. It’s the same thing missing from the life of Jesus. Their focus was to trust in the Father. They allowed themselves to be used by the Father where they were, in whatever circumstances for His Glory. From their relentless obedience came the Blessings…the blessings that bless us today.

That No-Matter-What confidence is available to all believers. It’s not confidence in ourselves but the “One and Only” (John 1:14) who told us all, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). May His Word whisper to your heart, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14