“Have your prayers been met with a silent sky? Have you prayed and heard nothing? Are you floundering in the land between an offered and an answered prayer? . . . . If so, I beg you, don’t give up. . . . You have been heard in heaven.”- Max Lucado
“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard.”- Daniel 10:12 (NIV)
As Max Lucado continues Chapter 8 of Anxious for Nothing, he notes that the story of Paul’s final recorded voyage (Acts 27) contains three promises. These three promises foster peace in the middle of a storm. Max discusses the first two promises today.
1. Heaven has helpers to help you. As the apostle Paul stood on the deck of a sinking ship during a raging storm, and angel came. The angle stood beside Paul. And, Pastor Lucado underscores, angels still come and help us.
In addition, Max notes, the prophet Daniel experienced assistance from angels. As we read in Daniel 10, the prophet, troubled, resolved to pray. After three weeks of praying, Daniel saw an angel standing before him. Next, the angel explained that heaven heard Daniel’s voice the first day he prayed. However, demonic forces blocked delivery of the answer. The archangel Michael needed to intervene. With the standoff ended, Daniel received the answer to his prayer.
Thus, angels can protect you, walk you out of your bondage. Indeed, heaven has helpers for you.
2. Heaven has a place for you. When, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you gave your life to God, He took responsibility for you. Because you belong to God, you can have peace in the middle of the storm.
Today’s question: What Bible verses or Christian hymns/songs keep you from floundering in the land between an offered and an answered prayer? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “When northeasters bear down”
