When you talk to God, do you find that you always ask him for something? What do you ask for? Have you ever found that the only time you go to the Lord in prayer is when you are in need of something? I think a lot of times we get frustrated because we’re totally focused on asking God for answers or to do something for us—and it seems as if He’s silent. Could it be that the problem is not with God, but is with whatever we’re asking for?
One common theme throughout scripture is that God’s top priority is drawing people closer to Him. So, if you’re desperately seeking an answer to some big question— “What’s going to happen?” Where should I go to school? Should I date him/her?”— God certainly wants to give you wisdom and help answer those questions, but perhaps He isn’t going to immediately whisper in your ear the clear and simple answer you’re hoping for. Maybe He’s going to lead you into His word for answers or have someone in your life speak some wisdom and encouragement over you, or draw you to spend more and more time with Him as you wrestle with the issue.
Sometimes we miss the voice of God because we’re not asking for what God is most concerned about. Don’t mishear me; God loves you and absolutely wants to hear everything that’s important to you. But again, God’s greatest priority is drawing other people closer to Him. You’re about to read a story of Elijah where he asks God for something huge—a massive display of fire from heaven. Let me tell ya… this is not a small prayer. But, what I want to focus on is the reason Elijah prayed this. He desperately wanted God’s power to be seen by a massive group of people who had utterly forgotten who God was. This prayer of Elijah’s was all about seeing other people come back to God, and that is a huge factor in why God gave the answer He did.
Read this passage from 1 Kings 18:36-39:
“When it was time for the sacrifice to be offered, Elijah the prophet came up and prayed, “O God, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make it known right now that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I’m doing what I’m doing under your orders. Answer me, God; O answer me and reveal to this people that you are God, the true God, and that you are giving these people another chance at repentance.” Immediately the fire of God fell and burned up the offering, the wood, the stones, the dirt, and even the water in the trench. All the people saw it happen and fell on their faces in awed worship, exclaiming, “God is the true God! God is the true God!”
When it comes to what you’re asking God, is the priority God’s glory being put on display? Are you asking God to make himself known to your friends or to draw you closer to Him? Or are all your prayers focused on what will make your life more comfortable? If you feel like God is being oddly quiet, lean into Him and check the substance of your prayers. If you’re asking for things that put the spotlight on God, you just might see our incredible God work in miraculous ways.