Tag Archives: crying out to God

How Much Longer?

In anticipation, children nag from their back seat, “how much longer daddy until we get there?”  Meanwhile, students whisper to the nearest watch bearer, “how many more minutes until this class is over?”  During a blow out, the losing coach asks his assistants a rhetorical question, “how many more minutes do we need to endure?”  Finally, the long suffering soul cries out to his Heavenly Father, “how much longer will this trial last?”

Unfortunately, most things in life are linked to time.  Winter lasts too long, Spring is too wet, Summer too hot and Fall too cold.  Instead of either accepting or embracing moments in time, most people are stuck in the past or wish to skip ahead to the future.  The only thing fair about life is the chance to breathe.  The aborted, still born and premature who may survive a few precious hours or days are dealt a bad hand, forced to fold.  The key to life is making the best of your hand, playing until the game of life has ceased.

Therefore, complaining about this or that seems rather pity, Philippians 2:14.  Yes, everyone would like to know the answers to important questions, but God will reveal what you need to know at an appointed time, Esther 4:14.  While the Dealer is still giving you cards, there must be a reason for today, Ephesians 2:10.  Thus, don’t ask God how much longer?  Rather, say, “thank you Lord, may I have another day.”   Like the prophet of old, “Here, I am Lord, send me to play another hand,” Isaiah 6:8.

by Jay Mankus

Stop Complaining, Write Down Your Requests and Pray!

The prophet Habakkuk felt alone, as if God had abandoned him.  Upset by a lack of answers, Habakkuk cries out to God, not in prayer, but with complaints.  Not satisfied with God’s initial response in Habakkuk 1:5-11, he continues to vent his frustrations.  Feeling self righteous, Habakkuk completes his words in chapter 2, verse 1, as if God is to blame for his current circumstance.

God’s reply is classic.  Sometimes in life, we expect God to do everything, including read our minds.  Thus, Habakkuk 2:2-3 contains God’s call to action which applies to anyone who has ever prayed to God before.  If your prayer’s aren’t being answered, maybe the problem lies in your own indecision, not sure what you really what in life.  Therefore, stop complaining and start to write down everything you desire, Psalm 37:4.

As for me, I seek a sense of community, similar to what I experienced during the early days at Red Lion.  Second, I want to use my God given talents to counsel, educate and train individuals so that they will be successful in life.  Finally, I want to travel, interact with people from other parts of the country and enjoy each moment I spend outside.  I am not sure if this exact position exists, but I am beginning my quest today, believing prayer is the key to push aside any current barriers.  I encourage others to join me by stop complaining out loud, write down the desires of your heart and pray for God’s favor and will.  Enjoy the ride!

by Jay Mankus