Words of Comfort and Hope

COVER LETTER

Dearly Beloved:

DELAYED ANSWERS TO PRAYER — A word from my daily devotions.

Most of us pray as David did: “In the day when I call answer me speedily” (Psalm 102:2). “I am in trouble: hear me speedily” (Psalm 69:17). The Hebrew word for speedily suggests “right now, hurry up, in the very hour I call on you, do it.” David was saying, “Lord, I put my trust in you — but, please, hurry.”

God is in no hurry. He doesn't jump at our commands. In fact, at times you may wonder if he will ever answer. You may cry out, weep, fast and hope — but days go by, weeks, months, even years, and you don't receive even the slightest evidence that God is hearing you. First you question yourself: “Something must be blocking my prayers.” You become perplexed, and over time your attitude toward God becomes something like this: “Lord, what do I have to do to get this prayer answered? You promised in your Word to give me an answer, and I prayed in faith. How many tears must I shed?”

Why does God delay answers to sincere prayers? It certainly isn't because he lacks power. And he is most willing for us to receive from him. No, the answer is found in this verse: “He spake a parable unto them…that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

The Greek word for lose heart or faint means “relax, become weak or weary in faith, give up the struggle, no longer wait for completion.” Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The Lord is seeking a praying people who will not relax or grow weary of coming to him. These people will wait on the Lord, not giving up before his work is completed. And they will be found waiting when he brings the answer.

For Your Information:

• Mt. Zion International School of Ministry is still enrolling students. Applications are still being accepted for those ages 17 to 39. Many of our students come by recommendation of pastors and grandparents. I have parents and grandparents on my mailing list who have received my messages for years and they know what we stand for. These same standards are lived and taught in our school such as: intimacy with Christ, knowing God's voice, walking in the Spirit and a vision for lost souls. President Catherine Logan holds these standards high.

• Because time is of the essence, you may call the school directly for more information at (717) 865-2000. Or write the school at info@mzisom.org, or fax to (717) 865-0716, or mail your inquiry to Mt. Zion International School of Ministry, 74 Harrison School Road, Grantville, PA, 17028, USA.

• You can now receive my daily devotions online at http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/ and click on Subscribe.

• A special thanks to those who continue to support our worldwide ministries to orphans, widows and feeding of malnourished children in major slums. In spite of the present economic downturn, God is miraculously helping us maintain these charitable outreaches.

God bless you.cob

In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON

DW:bbm 5.24.13