"Because He Listens" -Too

"I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications." (Psalms 116:1)

 As to whether or not God might say yes, even though His answer might have been no, that is a topic that is always open for great debate. I was reminded about Hezekiah and his supplication to God, that he might be granted more time, even after God already told him that his time here was up. We know how that all turned out; and there is speculation that Manasseh, his son born during his extended life, was responsible for the death of Isaiah, the prophet who was used to warn Hezekiah of his death, and the used again to tell him that God was going to answer his prayer to live. But that is only a very small part of the story! The things that happen from that single life being extended; it just boggles the mind to even begin to try and figure them all out. For example, Isaiah was the prophet that foretold of Cyrus, the pagan king that would help Israel rebuild Jerusalem; and it was Hezekiah's fault that Jerusalem was destroyed. There were so many things that were done from this one life that was extended, even if it was for only 15 years. Wow, fifteen years sure can go by fast; it has been over fifteen years since Marianne has been in the condition she is in; August the 12th, 2003, that is when it happen. Where does the time go? Anywho, I was reminded again about Jesus raising up Lazarus after he had been dead for 4 days. His extended life, and a lot like that of Hezekiah, it came with a price; the price of his was the death of Jesus. So, as you can see, regardless of what we ask and how He answers, it is all going to work into His plan...

""I Tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn into wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy."" (John 16:20-24) NLT