by Dr. Bill Bright
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“Lord, You know the hopes of humble people. Surely, You will hear their cries and comfort their hearts by helping them” Psalm 10:17
Some time ago Nancy DeMoss, who with her beloved husband, Art (one of my dearest friends), had launched a fruitful ministry to executives, called to share an exciting experience. It had been raining all day, and a downpour was predicted for that evening. More than 1300 guests were coming to their home for a lawn dinner to hear the gospel presented by the well — known Christian leader, Charles Colson.
They prayed that the rain would stop, and — miracle of miracles — except for only a few drops of moisture, the rain was held back, though around them, they later learned, there had been a downpour. The gospel had been presented and hundreds had responded to the invitation to receive Christ, and as the guests were on their way home, the rain came — but the harvest was over. The God of nature had heard their prayers and responded.
On another occasion, during EXPLO 74 in Seoul, Korea, as over a million people came each of five evenings to the famous Yoida Plaza, we prayed God would hold back the rain — but He chose to bless us in other ways, and the rain came. As it fell, God overruled and the people were drawn closer to each other and to the Lord.
Literally hundreds of thousands claimed to have received Christ during the week. In fact, more than a million — according to the officials — indicated that they had received Christ in just one evening. As a result, we gladly praised and thanked God for the rain.
God always knows what is best. He knows the hopes of humble people, and He will hear our cries and comfort our hearts. Sometimes He withholds the rain; other times He sends the rain and with it the outpouring of His blessings.
Today’s Action Point: Knowing that God is worthy of my trust, that He controls not only the affairs of men and nations but also the laws of nature, I will submit my requests to Him today and be willing to abide by His decisions, knowing also that He makes no mistakes. I shall rejoice and give thanks to Him no matter what happens.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/10/02/bb_hears/
This is wonderful& quite inspiring.The very fact that,we all know God is worthy of our trust, that He controls not only the affairs of men and nations but also the laws of nature, I our part is only to submit to Him today and be willing to abide by His decisions, knowing also that He makes no mistakes.In all our ways , we should constantly acknowledge him , and surely, he will direct our parts. That is all we need.May God richly bless us all.
I join with you in the prayer Dr. Bill.
Thank you for this inspiring devotional.
May God bless you richly.
what comfort it is to know that He who made the rain can bring it and prevent it on whoever He chooses. Thats what makes Him GOD, Ruler, Creator, Maker of All Things seen and unseen..
i prayed for the rains to stop when our place of children’s ministry in Manila was being flooded to record levels that devastated almost a million Filipinos because of Storm Ondoy. . I prayed to abandon all my fears towards the property i owned to Him.. The rains continued for 8 hours, flooded streets outside…
I received an amazing confirmation from God through this devotional. Father is ALWAYS there for us, even when we doubt………we all love you Father……thank you, thank you and Thank You!
Thanks for the powerful message. The Lord that we pray is able. That is why, He will fight your battles and win them for you. He is the Almighty. The Alpha and the Omega.We will always praise HIM.