We’ve all heard the story of the man stranded during a flood. He begged God to rescue him. Along came a rowboat, a speedboat, and a helicopter; but he refused them all, waiting for God to miraculously rescue him. Well, he drowned and went to heaven. He asked God why he never answered his prayer. God told him he sent a rowboat, a speedboat, and a helicopter, but he failed to realize they came from God. The story helps us realize God has many ways to answer prayer, so we should not try to dictate how God should answer. The Bible book of James CH. 5 has some life lessons we should know. We read this: “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well.” Of course, when we pray for healing, God may restore us with or without medicine. Either way, it is God who does the healing. And even if God chooses not to heal us, He is still God, and whatever God chooses to do is wise and good.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
