Nevertheless

Last week was an intense week.  I was not feeling well, there were many things needing my attention and my energy was so low, it was hard.

In the midst of everything, the Lord spoke a special word into my heart.  It was so encouraging and helped me rest in His care.  I love how He does that!  There's nothing quite like having Him speak to us.

A friend also shared a verse with me that became my prayer.  "Honor me by trusting in me in your day of trouble.  Cry aloud to me, and I will be there to rescue you."  Psalm 50:15 TPT  God was truly with me in my day of trouble!

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.' "  Hebrews 13:6

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:8 

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

If you've been reading my posts for a while, you know how I look for God to speak to me through His creation.  I had a special treat this morning.  As I opened the window shade on my kitchen window, there was a row of peacocks at my fence.  They were marching one-by-one, in a row (normally they would be scattered haphazardly over the field) with their heads all turned towards me.  It felt like they were "saluting" me.  I received it as a greeting for my birthday. :)  I always love seeing them, but this was extra special.

I was also hoping for sunshine today, but the forecast was for rain.  However, the rain came during the night and this morning the sun is shining.  That is a special gift to me!  I receive these special gifts from God's creation.  They mean a lot to me. 

When Joy Dawson passed away recently, her daughter mentioned to me that Joy was puzzled by the unanswered prayers she had lifted up.  In fact, she herself had suffered terrible pain for 35 years and had not been healed.  She was a powerful intercessor, and yet she had prayers that were never answered.  She would say, "He's a God of mystery."

I've been thinking a lot about this.  It brought me back to the prayer of Jesus before He went to the cross.  "Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done."  Luke 22:42  That "nevertheless" is so important as we pray.  Even Jesus didn't get His prayer answered......but He was willing to trust the Father as to what was best......leaving the outcome to Him.

A friend of mine said - it's the "nevertheless" in our prayers that puts us at ease.  We can pray and pray and pray, but "nevertheless" His will be done.  It doesn't stop our petitioning God for the answers we want, but knowing the outcome is in His faithful, trustworthy hands gives us great comfort.

I'm sure we've all had "nevertheless" prayers that didn't get answered.  Someday God will explain to us His plan and purpose in those prayers.  In the meantime, we trust in His goodness, wisdom, and faithfulness.  He is worthy of our trust.  He knows what is best.

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28 

"Thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:57

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  Proverbs 3:5

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7

"What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?"  Romans 8:31

"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."  Psalm 63:8

As I lift up prayers to the throne today, I am secure in the "nevertheless" His will will be done.  I trust Him.