The Answer

God answers every prayer. I know we like to use the idea that His answer is "yes," "no," or "wait," but I think it's more than that. God answers every prayer with the promise: "I will use this situation for your good, for the good of my Bride, and for My glory. For your good and the good of My church because I love you. I can promise that it wil be good because though you can only see the present tense and imagine what the outcome will be, I can see all things--the past,... the present, and the future. I will make all things work for your good. At times that will mean turning your tears into laughter; at times that will mean turning your laughter into tears--but always for your good. And it will be for My glory because the world needs to understand that I am the Living God, the God who is hands on in the history of the world and each of its people. Thank you, My beloved child, for putting this situation into my hands. Remember: I AM."
How must I pray then? Grateful praise that we come to the God of infinitie love, infinite wisdom, infinite patience, infinite goodness, infinite gentleness, and an infinite loyal love for His children. Thankful rejoicing that He alone can be trusted with the situation--and deeply desires that we cast all our cares on Him--that by doing so, we proclaim our confidence that He does indeed care.
And petition--help me, Lord, Father, to see the good, to wait patiently for its arrival. Help me, Loving and wise Master, to submit to Your promise so that I might be a vessel that reflects Your glory--that makes Your active presence in the world undeniable. I can't believe You trust me to glorify Your Name. Empower me to do so in all humility.
"Pray without ceasing." "In everything by prayer and petition let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God that guards your hearts and minds--beyond your ability to even comprehend how"--will keep you on our knees confident that He does all things for your good and for His majestic glory.