How Do You Pray in the Pain?

2 Samuel 12:13-20 (Click on reference to read text)

Sorry for the long absence.  My family received extremely difficult news at the beginning of this month.  My precious Dad-in-law was diagnosed with cancer in his bone marrow.  One night while praying my husband turned to me and confessed he didn't know how to pray.  We would obviously love to see our Dad healed, but what if it is not God's will?  How do you pray for a miracle and still pray according to the Lord's will?  Maybe you have had this same thought.  After much prayer and seeking Scriptures, I feel confident the Lord has given me a Biblical answer.

When David's son was dying, David fasted and prayed for a miracle.  He didn't eat, he didn't sleep.  For seven days David laid face down begging the Lord to heal his child.  Yet when the child died, he got up, worshiped the Lord and ate.  He prayed for God to heal his child, but he accepted what God allowed.

I also read about Paul.  Paul prayed 3 times for the "tormenting thorn in his flesh" to leave, yet he accepted God's grace to persevere when God did not remove it (2 Cor 12:7-10).   He was not afraid to ask God for relief, but His faith was not shaken when God answered no.

The Disciplers Bible Study Commentary for the book of Acts states, " They...were putting God to the test.  They were questioning God after His will had been revealed." 

I truly believe it is Biblical to ask the Lord for healing, restoration, or whatever is needed in the lives of your family or yourself.  After all, God is our Heavenly Father and desires to hear our hearts cry.  However, we must not put God to the test by questioning God after He reveals His will by either answering or denying our request.  We must choose to follow David's lead, offer a sacrifice of praise in the midst of our pain.  Praising God in the pain is not easy, but it is necessary in keeping our hearts stayed on Him (Heb 13:15).

I urge you... pray!  Pour your heart out to your Heavenly Father.  Ask to see the mighty movements of His hand.  Expect to see His power displayed.  However, resolve now to believe that God is good no matter His answer.  Turn to Him whether the outcome is wonderful or painful, and know that in the tears, you are not alone!

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Ps 34:18