bits from bob....
bits from bob....
The story is told of a man who got a permit to open the first tavern in a small town. The members of a local church were strongly opposed to the bar, so they began to pray that God would intervene. A few days before the tavern was scheduled to open, lightning hit the structure and it burned to the ground.
The people of the church were surprised but pleased--until they received notice that they would-be tavern owner was suing them. He contended that their prayers were responsible for the burning of the building. They denied the charge.
At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing the judge wryly remarked, "At this point I don't know what my decision will be, but it seems that the tavern owner believes in the power of prayer and these church people don't."
When the apostle Peter was put into prison, a group of Christians met to pray for his release (Acts 12). When they were told that Peter was knocking at the door, they did not believe it. I'm afraid that we are often like these first-century Christians. We pray but really don't expect much to happen.
When with expectancy we pray
According to God's will,
We'll see him working in our lives
His purpose to fulfill.
Prayer without expectancy may be unbelief in disguise.
