May I Have Your Attention?

5 Days

Day 2

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Yesterday, we asked ourselves what is holding us back from praying with the kind of boldness that amazed Jesus when he heard it from the Centurion. If you answered fear, you’re not alone. Many times, we are afraid of coming to God with confidence and then feeling disappointed if the situation or circumstance doesn’t turn out as we dreamed it would. So, it’s only natural to ask…what do we do if that happens?

Join us for day two as we explore what to do when we feel overlooked or cast aside in the event our prayers don’t lead to the outcome we desire.

Summary

Great Faith Captures The Attention of Heaven.

There are so many stories of miracles throughout scripture, so there can be an obvious tension when what we pray for doesn't come to pass. It is important to know that just because the miracle didn't happen does not mean that we didn't have enough faith. It just means that, ultimately, God is using that particular circumstance to achieve a different outcome. This is a seismic shift in our way of thinking.

John 12:23-28 contains an amazing parable. Here, Jesus explains that a single seed of wheat sitting on a shelf is worth little. But, if that seed goes through the process of falling into the ground and dying, it will take part in a process by which a multitude of other seeds are created.

Here, Jesus is teaching the apostles Philip and Andrew that the time has come for him to lay down his life in the same way. Facing this trial, Jesus teaches them that he can pray in one of two ways:

He can ask God the Father to save Him from this hour and deliver him from what he is about to face.

Jesus can trust that God the Father has a great plan at work and choose to Glorify His name.

Was God capable of saving Jesus from the cross he was about to endure? Of course, but He didn’t because He was at work to bring about the salvation of all. Jesus, knowing fully the suffering that was in front of him, chose to trust God and to bless his name. This is miraculous faith.

What's Next?

Think about the questions below and take some time aside to give glory to God for the way things happened. In all things, God works together for those who love Him. The purpose is always bigger than we can understand at first glance.

Have you ever boldly prayed for something that did not come to pass? How do you reconcile that?
Looking back now, do you have a clearer understanding of why God answered the way He did?

Scripture References

23Jesus replied,

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.

Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

41He took her by the hand and said to her,

“Talitha koum!”

(which means

“Little girl, I say to you, get up!”

42Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.

54But he took her by the hand and said,

“My child, get up!”

55Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

7He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.

8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.

9And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

because you were slain,

and with your blood you purchased for God

persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Louie Giglio

Louie Giglio is the Visionary Architect and Director of the Passion Movement, comprised of Passion Conferences, Passion City Church, Passion Publishing and sixstepsrecords, and the founder of Passion Institute.