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Does it not seem to you sometimes that God gives the impression He doesn't know, doesn't care or is not the least bit interested in some situation or dilemma that faces you?
It doesn't matter how much you have prayed and waited, heaven just remains unmoved by your pleading about that situation. Others rejoice in answers to their prayers, so what's the matter with you?
I find myself drawn to that inspirational story about Cornelius (Acts 10). What a great guy!! Devout. God-fearing. Generous. Prayerful. Highly respected among the Jewish people. I'd like to have him as a next door neighbour.
Yet for all his good points there was still something missing, something that kept him hungry for God. Then came that memorable afternoon when he had a vision of an angel coming towards him and calling him by name. Then the angel made the announcement that must have set his heart racing with anticipation.
"Your prayers and gifts to the poor have not gone unnoticed by God'. (Acts 10:4 NLT).
I have no way of knowing if Cornelius ever despaired of attracting the attention and interest of God. But I know that I have. Maybe, like me, you have also had those times and seasons when praying to the Lord God produced the same results as when the prophets of Baal pleaded with Baal to answer them in that great confrontation on Mount Carmel.
Listen to the tone of the situation: They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no reply, no voice, no answer. (1 Kings 18:29 NLT)
Maybe someone reading this reflection needs to hear the same truth that Cornelius received that wonderful afternoon. That encounter with the angel set in motion a series of events that culminated in the salvation of Cornelius and his household.
"Your prayers and gifts to the poor have not gone unnoticed by God'. (Acts 10:4 NLT).
Take heart, my brother, my sister, your prayers and your sacrifices have not escaped God's attention. Heaven's response is on its way. Get ready. Heaven's answer will probably require some obedient responses from you, just as it did from Cornelius.
I find my mind drifting back to the Old Testament prophet, Habakkuk chapter 2 - it's an old address that I visit often.
"Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
The answer is on its way. Be ready!
