God is Not Your Butler
Thomas Watson, a Puritan pastor from 350 years ago, asked in his book, Body of Divinity, “Why does God delay an answer to prayer?” In other words, why would God ever keep us asking and seeking and knocking when he could respond sooner? He gives four answers:
1. Because he loves to hear the voice of prayer. “You let the musician play a great while before you throw him down money, because you love to hear this music.”
2. That he may humble us. We may too easily assume we merit some ready answer, or that he is at our beck and call like a butler, not as sovereign Lord and loving Father.
3. Because he sees we are not yet fit or ready for the mercy we seek. It may be he has things to put in place—in us or in our church or in the world. There are a million pieces to the puzzle. Some things go first to make a place for the others.
4. Finally, that the mercy we pray for may be the more prized, and may be sweeter when it comes.
I’m not sure I agree with #1, or mainly the metaphor given. I think God has many just reasons he doesn’t answer prayers right away.
Getting the most bang for his buck, I don’t think is one of them. Anyone have a thought?
Justin,
Thanks for posting this. I hope it’s ok, I’ve reproduced this in my own new blog(touchnot.blogspot.com)… A VERY timely post for me.
