NPR last week interviewed some protestors in Washington D.C who were mad that their voices were not being heard.  The reality, though, was that they were being heard, they were just being disagreed with.  They were so convinced that their ideas were the only logical solution that they could not fathom that someone would disagree with their position.

In a similar manner, we often approach God with the same attitude.  We figure if we pray for something and it does not come true then God must not have heard us—or worse, must not care.

Eugene Peterson’s translation of James 4 says, “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves.  You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

 You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to.”

What protests have you labored against God recently?  How does it make you feel that God would not answer your request?  Where do you find the confidence that God cares, even if he does not respond affirmatively?