What God Gives and What God Denies in Answer to Prayer

In our first week of "Themevember," we looked at studying the Bible; why we should, the fact that we can trust the Scriptures, and some ways that we can study it better.

Leading out of that, this week we're looking at another oft asked question: how can I know God's voice?

I think that this is part of a greater question that we all wrestle with at times: what is God's will for me? Or, how can I discern what God wants me to do? Truly, there are many similar and related questions all revolving around the idea of God's will.

At the heart of it all though is God Himself, and we need to remember that. He isn't sitting in Heaven wagging His finger at us, disappointed because we can't figure out His will; a will that He somehow has made as perplexing as possible.

He instead reveals much of His will for us in His word—and Lord willing we will dive into that more as the week goes on. For the rest, He's given us help such as prayer, other believers, and of course, the leading of the Spirit, as well as a conscience.

To start off this theme, however, I want to share this article from Tim Challies on prayer—more to the point—how God answers prayer.

We (me, too, for sure) need to remember that God doesn't somehow mishear our prayers, ignore them, or answer them out of anger or malice. And we can't prevent Him from doing His will.

Of course, this is never an excuse for foolishness or sin. It's simply to say that, as we wrestle with knowing God's will, with trying to discern His voice, and with what we should pray for, He is a kind and loving Father who is accomplishing His purposes for our good and His glory. I think that's a good foundational place to begin as we look at discerning God's voice.

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