The Bible says, ‘God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.’ When you read the preceding verses in the chapter you’ll see that God changes people through prayer. Sometimes we don’t pray because we think God’s not at work and nothing’s happening. But God’s always working, and something’s always happening, even if we can’t see it. When you plant a seed, you don’t come back the next day expecting green shoots and leaves. Does that mean nothing’s happening? No, a host of necessary processes are happening underground where you can’t see them. Don’t make the mistake of thinking because you don’t see the evidence that nothing’s happening. It’s just not harvest time yet. When it comes to prayer He’s either answering the way you hoped, or changing your heart through the Spirit’s intercession to bring your prayer into harmony with His will. One way that God makes us more like Jesus is by helping us to pray the way Jesus prayed, ‘not my will, but yours be done’ (Luke 22:42 NIV). That means when your prayer lines up with His will, He’s already working on it even though you can’t see it. And if your prayer isn’t in accordance with His will, He’s working to change your request by changing you. Unanswered prayer can be as big a blessing as answered prayer because it keeps us from going against God’s will. And God’s will is to make you more like Jesus.
What Now?
Get a clear container and plant some seeds in it (marigolds are a good choice this time of year). Make sure you water them every day. As they grow, watch the changes happening below the surface.
