The Surprise of Unbelief.
Why are Christians so surprised when God answers prayer? Why is it regarded as an unusual thing? One instance of evident answer is repeated and re-repeated as a wonder almost too great to be believed. Unbelief is at the root. Is it such a strange thing that God should fulfill his promises? Would it not be more strange if he failed to do so? We marvel when God answers our prayers, and Jesus marvels at our unbelief which shuts the door against his answers. According to our faith it is done unto us, and it is the very reason so little is done. Faith is so weak that answers to prayer are necessarily few. Stronger faith would bring richer blessings. When we believe enough to expect God to do all that he promises, answers to prayer will become as common as daily favors from the kindest parents. Our loving Father will give liberally when we believe undoubtingly. His hand is always stretched out to give, but ours seldom held out to receive. Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength, while those who ask and haste away receive nothing. It is a singular experience to regard God's promises as “yea and amen,” because our evil hearts of unbelief suspect that they are not quite true. He that believeth shall not be ashamed. O Lord, increase our faith!—Sel.