In the July 1999 K.O.J. newsletter you were given a reason why people of faith in God do not always get what they ask of Him. This month I will continue this message, but first refresh your memory by reading the first paragraph of the July letter.

Hearing from God, via the Holy Spirit, is easy if we pray and ask Him to help us. After making a request we usually have thoughts about what we should do. The first thought will probably come from God. Then other thoughts come to steal the truth (John 10:10).

Everything we receive from God comes to us because of His mercy and compassion, but He decides about when and where His mercy is awarded and His compassion is extended. The Apostle Paul wrote about this, saying, For he [God] saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion (Romans 9:13). Paul was quoting from the Old Testament when he told what God said about Esau and Jacob. It is said unto her [the mother of Esau and Jacob] , the elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated [rejected] (Romans 9:12-13). Paul continued with, What shall we say then, is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [Paul continued with], So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth [you or me], but of God that showeth mercy (Romans 9:14-16). ... O man, who art thou that repliest against God [counter God]? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, or the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonour (Romans 9:20-21)?

In the above passage of scripture we find that it is so important to be in agreement with God, hearing and acting in concert with Him, actually hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit as he communes with our spirit. We can also see how God has a plan for each of us and that plan will be carried out. We can follow His instructions with ease or "repliest against God" (contradict Him), and end up in trouble. Recently, I heard someone say that they were going to run from something God had given them to do. I responded with, "Fine, run, Jonah tried that."

An example of seeing God’s mercy and compassion at work: July became a great month for one-on-one ministry. I was in several cities and everywhere I went the Holy Spirit imparted words of knowledge and wisdom. This was followed by people being saved while others were set free. These things take place when we realize that we are only vessels and it is God that does the work.

As the Lord imparts wisdom and knowledge to you His mercy and compassion will follow. So, never quit asking of God for these benefits.

Dean Hubbard