“In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple” ()

There are prayers or requests that profoundly touch the heart of God. We can learn of such a request from Simeon. Simeon was now an old man, but he had an expectation: to see “help for Israel.” Simeon was waiting for Israel’s comfort. To his expectation, the Holy Spirit assured him that he would see it! This means God kept him and gave him life until Jesus was revealed in the temple. The Lord surely listens. Such was the case of King Solomon’s famous request. “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?” (1 Kings 3:9). God was delighted with Solomon’s request and He said to him: “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for…” (1 Kings 3:10-11).

Let’s be encouraged and persevere too. 1 John 5:14 assures us: “And how bold and free we then become in His presence, freely asking according to His will, sure that He’s listening. And if we’re confident that He’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.” Amen.

#goodmorning

BeEncouraged❤ Freely Received. Freely Give