It’s seems like we are created to confront, complain, and murmur. Instead of praising Him in the good times and the bad, we praise only in good times and complain in the bad times. We play when things are good and pray when times are hard. We limit ourselves by looking only ‘as far as the eye can see’. If we allow ourselves to see farther, I know our responses would’ve been different. Short sighted vision will rob us of continual praise, and constant shouts of Hosanna.

In all these assurances, I am comforted and strengthened to keep on praying. Just as Moses cried to God when faced with the red sea and Pharaoh’s army behind, I too must cry to God for deliverance from my red sea experiences. You can too. Do not give up on life, and don’t you give up on God. Keep on praying. Keep on believing and hoping that God will make a way when there seems to be no way. His answer may seem slow in coming, but it’s coming nonetheless. Jesus promised that Our Father will answer His elect speedily.

Queen Esther could’ve kept quite and save herself (maybe); but that would do no good. She was placed in a position of trust, influence and power. She had to do something, even if it cost her life! Praise be to God, who giveth us the victory. Victory was hers. She took the risk and victory was hers and her people!

The Bible is filled with experiences of persons that could easily be grouped into either garlic perfume or a sweet-smelling perfume. Can you think of some examples? All life experiences do leave a lesson about Christ, good or bad. What lesson was taught from Job’s experience? What about Judas? Can you recall a time in your life when your victory in your testing turns out to be a testimony for Christ?

Just as in Daniel’s experience, the “Prince of Persia” sometimes delayed the answer to our prayers. But Michael will come to our rescue. I just paused this morning to tell you that your weeping is just for the “night”. God isn’t sleeping. He will deliver. Whatever your struggles – hold on! Just as a day consist of a dark part and a light part, our light will come. Just as the sunshine comes after the rain, The Son of righteousness will shine on you – just hold on!

So many parents are now experiencing a similar crucible as I am: back to school expenses and empty pockets. With school fees to be paid, books and uniforms to be purchased, together with other expenses, we can do no other but to call on Jehovah Jireh. Even with classes to begin in a couple days, I must wrestle with God. I know the education of His children is important to Him. And so, I wrestle, I pray, I keep believing. God will come through. He will make a way! You should too. Hold Him to His promises.

Finally, a child’s request to his/her earthly parent is done in faith. Likewise, we are to ask in faith, believing that God can and that He will. Let us not doubt His ability or His willingness to relieve our depressed condition. He is ready and able to do far more than any government or president. He is more willing to give to us that which we are to ask of Him. Let’s ask in faith. We will receive.

Most importantly, we should commit our ways to God and allow Him to lead and direct our lives. For all encounters, pleasant and unpleasant ones, let’s ask ourselves the question: What would Jesus do? How would He handle the matter? We can be assured that we will receive an immediate answer. Listen for the response because His promise is certain:

As you face your daily challenges, did you remember to pray? Even if no one remembered your prayer request, you need to spend time in ‘closet’ interceding with God so that you can get ‘closet power’. God is ready and listening and He will also answer while you are still speaking. Before you leave your home today, did you remember to pray? Your Father is waiting.

There isn't a child of God who does not face challenges, impossible situation from time to time. For some, it is a daily experience - sometimes a continuous challenge. We've prayed, put our faith into action, prayed some more but still nothing happened. We've asked, seek, knock: but still nothing is happening - or so it seems. Like this father, we know Jesus can help, but we sometimes wondered, would He?