I have a cat. When my kids were younger, they used to love to dangle a string over the cat’s head to make her jump and twirl. They used to say the cat was “dancing.” It looked more like “squirming” to me. I was never really sure if the cat enjoyed this or not. Frankly, it seemed to really annoy and frustrate her.

It can seem like, with the challenges in our life, God might be treating us like my cat, dangling something we want in front of us and then watching with glee was we struggle and squirm about trying to attain it. Fortunately, that is not how God works. He actually wants to give us everything that is good—right away. That is His desire and what you can expect. If it does not come right away, then you should trust that it is not good for you, or the time is not right, or He is permitting whatever it is to happen for your ultimate good. Bottom line: ask. Then trust that the outcome is exactly the right one for you. God is never slow to answer, you just may not like the answer. This is where you must trust in God and His infinite, merciful love for you. He always wants what is best for you, and He answers your prayers right away. You must trust in the answer!

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. – Luke 18:7-8

Originally posted 2015-01-26 06:00:00.