On a recent plane trip, I became fascinated by two very different realms that exist in our world. There is the realm below the clouds and the realm above the clouds. On the plane ride home from Calgary we flew above the clouds with the sun shining brightly all around and into the cabin of the plane. I noticed how some people shut their blinds so that they could sleep or to cut the glare on their TV screen while they watched a movie. Looking out my window the sun was unhindered and I found myself squinting to shade my eyes as I looked out.
Below the plane was this white base that seemed firm and as I focused on it, in my mind I could envision a vast landscape of mountains and valleys. It was pure white, clean and bright, inviting. On our descent, the clouds looked softer and billowy and certainly not solid like before. They morphed into a wispy cottony substance as we enter them.
This particular day, the cloud cover was thick and it seemed that we traveled a long way to get through the clouds. Everything out my window was grey and it resembled thick smoke when it is whipped up by the wind. At one point, I thought, “How long are we going to be in these clouds?” I was surprised how thick they were.
When we finally got through, the scene was vastly different from above the clouds. Though it was only 1 pm, it looked like it was late in the evening. The realm below the clouds was dark and grey, rainy and dull. It was a complete contrast to the realm above the clouds. The realm below was sun starved and I felt an immediate dip in my spirit.
Though this was the realm I live in, there was something about the realm above the clouds I wished was present. Despite my familiarity with the terrain and the landscape, I had a longing for the bright warm and inviting sun.
So here’s my thought: When life seems rotten, when we’re down and things are going all wrong, internally we are in a realm much like I found myself in below the clouds. In reality though, the sun is still shining – shining as bright as ever, providing warmth and light and goodness. It just seems as if the sun is absent.
I envision the sun as God’s goodness and blessing shining on us. For me to experience that once again, I turn to prayer. I can’t break through my realm (through the clouds) to the realm above, but my prayers can. Some times the clouds are thick and it seems to take a long time for my prayer to make it through them. But that doesn’t mean God’s love isn’t shining down. In the book of Daniel, he once wondered why it took so long for God to answer his prayer. Look up Daniel 10:1-14. The angel tells Daniel his prayers were received right away but that he was delayed in responding, like there was a battle going on in the clouds.
Sometimes we have to pray for a long time before we see a break in the clouds, and the sun shining again in our lives. But what I need to remind myself of is that my prayers are received by God instantly, and regardless of how long it is before my prayers are answered, God’s love and grace is shining down on me as bright as ever – even when I can’t see it. And that’s good to know.
Until Next Time!
Pastor Paul
What are your thoughts on delays in answered prayer? Leave your comments below!
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Thanks Paul … sometimes I need a wee reminder …
Hi Sandra, I’m sorry I didn’t respond to your comment, I certainly had meant to. Great to hear from you. I hope all is well.
I’m really enjoying all your posts, Paul. Down to earth, real life topics and spiritual reminders. Please keep them coming!
Thanks mom. Paul
Hi Paul. I learned a long time ago that God always answers prayer but his timing and our timing is some times very different. Sometimes when we think he has not answered our prayers, He really has and the answer was no and in every case he has something much better for us. Unanswered prayer is sometimes a real blessing. Many times what we think is what we should have or what is good for us later down the road we realize that if God had given you the YES to your prayers you would not have been so happy. God know our wants and our needs. I praise God every day . Hope you are feeling well Paul. I still pray for you and your family everyday. How can I pray for you today????
I am headed off to church to lead our prayer time before church. We meet at 9:45 and pray for our church and our pastor and leaders.
Love you guys. Keep posting.
Your brother in Christ .
Floyd
Great insight Floyd, thanks for your comment. You can pray that God heals my heart. I don’t see the cardiologist till June 24. Paul