Wednesday Thought – March 9, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

When David acknowledged his sin with Bathsheba before the Lord, God forgave David. There were still consequences for it. “Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. Because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.’" (2 Samuel 12:13-14)

David began pleading with the Lord to save the child’s life. “David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.” (2 Samuel 12:16)

God did not grant David’s request. The child died and David’s servants were afraid of what David might do. “David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, ‘While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.’" (2 Samuel 12:18)

David did not respond as his servants feared. “David got up from the ground, washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and they served him food, and he ate. His servants asked, ‘Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!’ He answered, ‘While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, “The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.” Now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.’” (2 Samuel 12:20-23)

As long as there was hope, David prayed with great fervency. As soon as God answered, even with an answer he did not want, David stopped praying and accepted God’s answer in faith.

Whatever you are praying for … pray and keep praying until you see God’s answer. When you see God’s answer, accept it in faith, even if it isn’t the answer you wanted to receive.

His, by Grace, Steve