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What Does the Bible Really Say About Haters?

Love them.  What?  To some this response might seem a bit confusing.  Why would I want to love people who hate me?  Because Jesus told you to.  “But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you,” (Luke 6:27).   It is so contradictory.  Have you ever gotten into a situation where someone would say something, you would say something back, and then it just escalated into a much worse situation?  Of course you have.  Everyone has.  Now imagine if you went back to that situation.  Let’s say someone said something to you that they knew bothered you.  Instead of retaliating just imagine if you either said nothing at all by turning the other cheek, or by just replying with a remark that isn’t complimenting their hostility.  The situation could have defused very quickly.  This person may even leave you alone forever.  They may even become your friend.  Who knows.  A lot of times haters are miserable people.  It could be someone who just acts this way to push others away out of fear of abandonment or being hurt.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”glow” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”3px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]


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When in Doubt, Turn to the Bible

“If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)  Hateful people are going to hate.  It’s in their nature.  Those that hate God will hate you.  These people have fallen far from His message.  They feel abandoned by Him, and are lead astray by Lucifer and his devious ways.  It can be frustrating, but the best way to bring these people back is to love them.  Do not fight hatred with hate.  This is Jesus offering some comfort as well.  “You are not alone.”

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:17)  Just for following God you will be hated by some.  You may be hated by Muslims, Atheists, Pagans, etc., because you don’t believe what they believe.  I’m not saying that all of these people will be haters, but there will definitely be some.  And guess what?  Love them.

Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8).  The last (but definitely not the least) hater we need to worry about is Lucifer.  He is the master of lies and king of hate.  So many have fallen to his ways.  We need to remain defiant in the face of evil.  God is the only true Redeemer and through Him we are saved.

It doesn’t matter about your past with this hater.  It doesn’t matter if this is a recurring issue or a one time thing.  You need to remember that they are trying to get you to do the opposite of what Jesus wants.  These haters want to start something, and the last thing you want to do is fall into their trap.  Remain loyal to Jesus’ message, and love them.  They have gone astray, and only Jesus’ love can bring them back.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]


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Don’t be a Hypocrite

Don’t wind up becoming the hater.  There are those out there that think because they are Christian they have the right to hate on others because of their beliefs or way of life.  These choices that these individuals make is between them and God.  Don’t hate them because they are different than you.  Treat others how you want to be treated.  This is the Golden Rule which will help you live a good life.

Here is some wisdom from the old testament.  “Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.”  (Proverbs 9:8).  Proverbs is an incredible book, and I suggest that everyone reads it.  Don’t create any more haters by fiercely criticizing sinners.  Criticizing them doesn’t help you or them.  It is up to them to realize what they have done wrong and turn back to God.  This wouldn’t fall to far from being hypocritical in creating another person who’s full of hate.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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So how do I stop judging others and become more accepting?

Please see the post titled The Golden Rule.  And this concludes the article…

Okay so not quite.  It should end there, but it never does.  As cliche as this may be but ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”  One of the two ways we need to live our life – Do to others what you would want them to do to you. (Luke 6:31 DRA).  Think about what an amazing place this wold be if everyone followed this rule.  Next time you are about to judge someone think about it this way.  Would you want others to judge you?  I think the reply to this question would be a resounding, “No.”  I’m not talking about the way you’re are perceived by others.  I’m talking about you in your entirety consisting both of what people know about you and what they don’t know about you.  We’ve all made mistakes.  I sure have made them and so have you.

I don’t want to be judged, and if I’m going to be judged by anyone it’s going to be God.  May I add that when this day comes it’s going to be a terrifying moment.  I’ve asked for forgiveness a million times, but there are always parts of me that wonder if I’m worthy of God’s forgiveness.  This brings me to my next point.  Let God do the judging.  Jesus made it pretty clear when he said, “Judge not, that you may not be judged, for with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.  And why seest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye; and seest not the beam that is in thy own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-3 DRA).  The nerve people have to judge whether a person is going to hell or not.  Sometimes people need to shut their mouth, and focus on bettering themselves and their relationship with God.  Leave the judgement up to God, and God alone.

Casting judgement never helps a situation either.  There is never a time when this is good for a situation being that it could wind up escalating.  Sometimes it’s good to offer advice for future situations but not judgement.  There is a fine line between the two.  “Maybe that wasn’t such a great idea,” might be something to say just to make it known that what was done wasn’t good.  Sometimes people don’t realize what they did even after the fact.  “You’re a bad person,” would be judgement.  Okay, so no one is going to be that forward with judgement in a situation like this, but it’s to make an honest point.  Well, I guess I shouldn’t say that.  I’m sure a few of you might have grandparents like that. ;)[/fusion_text][fusion_text]


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Don’t Cast Stones!

This leads me to another reference regarding judgement.  This is probably the most famous remark made by Jesus.  “When therefore they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said to them: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”  (John 8:7 DRA).  Talk about putting someone in their place.  This ends the situation.  We’re all sinners of varying degrees.  We all fall short of God.

Another reason to stop judging people is because you have absolutely no idea what that person has been through.  Even if you do know all the circumstances of why a person did something or is the person they are, you still aren’t them, and you can never be in their shoes.  I always try to see from other’s perspectives, but I will never know their perspective.  This can seem a bit daunting to think about, but you can’t say something like, “If this would have happened to me, I would have handled it this way.”  We are all wired differently and something that happened to someone else may affect them much differently than it does to you.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text][/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]


[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text][/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]I’m going to close out and say that even though I just wrote all this, I still fall short sometimes.  It can be all too easy to cast judgement.  I catch myself doing it here and there.  I’m not proud of it.  I’d like to think that I have definitely improved myself over the years, but I’m imperfect.  Next time I think the question you need to ask yourself is, “Do I want to be judged?”[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]Well, it’s another one of those days.  Depression makes waking up difficult.  I procrastinate.  I have trouble with my friends and family.  Our demons come in plenty of forms.  Whether it is oneself or some outside force, we all have obstacles to get past.  Depression is an incredible burden.  It’s a burden I, and millions of others, have to bear.

We need to think about the terrible things Jesus went through to save us.  He carried the means of His own execution.  Now that’s an incredible burden to bear.  I think something that would help all of us put everything into perspective is to compare our suffering to others.  I don’t mean it as some kind of competition or anything like that.  That would be the last kind of competition anyone would want to win.  There will always be someone out there who has it way worse than you… always.

Lets say you are having a difficult time waking up and staring your day.  Well guess what, there is someone out there who can’t get out of bed.  Not only could this be a psychological issues but a physical impairment.  That person has it much worse than you do.  This could extend to any difficulty that you’re having.  If you can’t think of anyone, think Job.  It’s important to realize that we all have our own set of tests and temptations to endure.  This will ensure our entry into God’s kingdom.

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[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Alright.  So you’re doing a little comparing?  Remember that you always have God to reinforce your life.  Talk to Him.  He’ll listen.  If things don’t get better right away, be patient.  He will decide when the time is right.  You have to put your faith in Him.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5).

Don’t let what other people say affect you.  Sometimes others get enjoyment out of the misery of others.  You need to avoid these people.  Others get upset and lash out.  Don’t let what they say bother you.

These methods almost always work for me, but at other times, things can appear bleak.  Its always be good to speak with someone else such as a family member, good friend, or a professional.  God listens, but he answers in mysterious ways.  Sometimes we might not realize that he answered us until long into the future.

This will be a common topic as it’s something I suffer with.  Sometimes it can be really tough and other times, not so much.  So if you ever wonder why I disappear here and there, that’s probably why.  God gives me strength, but sometimes doing the things I like, like blogging for example, becomes difficult.  It’s a tough journey, but with Jesus by my side, I know that I can get through it.

Thanks for reading.  I always appreciate that someone would take the time out of their day to read something I put out there.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text][/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]The Trinity is always described as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  The Father is the first person in the Trinity.  God was commonly referred to as the Father in Judaism as was passed on into Christianity.  It’s commonly used as a metaphor in a sense where he watches over us like a father would watch over his children.  He is the life-giver.  God the Father also refers to God being the father of Jesus Christ.  This is reaffirmed in the Apostle’s Creed, and is a core belief in a large majority of Christian denominations.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]


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How is God Our Father

He gave us life.  He fathered creation.  He watches over us everyday.  He protects us from harm.  He’s also been given this title because of his participation in human affairs.  God is an all knowing, all powerful being that doesn’t observe, but is a force who is present in our daily lives.  He is the perfect father.  Anything that He allows to happen is there to help us learn to make us stronger.  This is to benefit our time on earth.  We need to be strong with all the terrible things that exist in our world.  Whether you live in one part of the earth or the other, there are challenges.

Even though a father is masculine, God is usually regarded as not having a biological gender.  The Catholic Church’s view is “God is neither man nor woman: he is God.”  The masculine term used may have something to do with the patriarchal structure of religions and many societies.  One could even say the term “mother” would fit considering God is a life-giver and “gave birth” to creation.  I’m sure there are some who would radically disagree with that statement though.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:6

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But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

1 Corinthians 8:6

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And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Matthew 23:9

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[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Times are very rough, so I need a prayer answered.  I just recently had a cousin overdose.  This was bad enough, but now her brother fell off the wagon.  He was a recovering alcoholic and now he is right back to where he was before.  He already has numerous health problems, and I’m afraid that we’ll soon be burying him soon as well.  We have tried to contact him on numerous occasions, and he refuses to pick up his phone now.

Now there is something that makes matters much worse.  His current girlfriend is also into drugs.  I know alcohol is one thing, but I’m 90% sure she is on something else.  Here is another problem – she’s a recovering heroin addict.  Now recovering is great, but if she falls off the wagon I don’t want her actions to wind up affecting his.  Considering he is already in such a weak state of mind due to the recent loss of his sister, I’m worried that he might just fall in right after her.  It is already bad enough where they aren’t even collecting their mail.  This is something that’s right outside their door.

I really would like some prayers from all of you.  It has been a really troubling time, and I’m praying that things get better.  If they don’t, I have to accept that it is part of God’s plan regardless of how painful it may be for me.  So I ask this community, the Christian community for your prayers.  It doesn’t have to be much.  Any prayers will definitely help.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

The Prayer I Need Answered

God, I ask you today that you lead my cousin back to the right path.  He doesn’t have faith in you like I do, but I still hope that he witnesses your wisdom and glory.  He’s had it very rough, and I hope that he finds hope and strength in you.  Please be with him and his family in this incredibly dark time.  Amen.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]


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The hatred needs to stop.  The killing needs to stop.  Is this what we want our kids to see?  We are not getting anywhere as a civilization.  We have to face the facts, and realize that we are all children of God.  We are all the same.  Whether someone is black, white, Latino, or any other race or nationality, we are all viewed the same way in the eyes of the Lord.  I think it’s time that we see each other the same way He sees us.

It is terrible to see a person stray so far from God as Dylann Roof did.  Maybe if he would have discovered Jesus and His loving ways a long time ago it would have never come to this.  The fact that he went into a church and did this… I’m at a loss for words.  I’m getting ill just thinking about it.  Not only is this person murdering people, but he’s doing it in the house of the Lord.  Could anyone commit a more evil action?

I wish I could help these people.  I pray for these individuals who have lost their way.  Even if my prayers only help one individual then I can sleep better at night.  We all need to come together as one, and walk with the Lord.  I understand that times can be tough, but there is no reason to turn your back on Him.  One should not take out their angers and frustrations about their own life on other people.

We all need to pray for these victims and the families they left behind.  I hope that all of them find comfort in our prayers.

A prayer for the victims of Charleston

Lord, please watch over your children and comfort them after this terrible tragedy in South Carolina.  No person should have to endure that kind of loss in their life, and I pray that you help those families and their friends stay strong.  I pray that all others who have strayed from your path like Dylann Roof find their way back to You.  Amen.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

It upsets me on how anyone can talk about the hungry, naked, the sick, and forgotten.  People will make a mention of helping the poor, but then they will go out and spend an absurd amount of money on clothing, a car, or a single meal.  Do not preach about something that winds up making you look like a hypocrite.  I understand how tough it can be when they advertise these certain products.  A 30,000 dollar car does the same thing a 15,000 dollar car; it gets you from point A to point B.  Sure it may have a few extra exciting things in it such as a sun/moon roof, Bluetooth, leather seats, etc. but please don’t tell me that you care about the downtrodden and defeated.

A few years ago I went to a church to listen to a pastor speak.  I will not say the denomination because I don’t want to create any hostilities.  The man spoke well.  He mentioned giving money to those in need.  He referred to a Bible verse such as the following:

And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”

Luke 3:11

I thought, ‘Hey, this is someone who really preaches the Word of God.’  After the mass concluded I decided I would meet him outside and speak with him.  I got sidetracked, because I was speaking to a friend that invited me here.  After a brief conversation I looked around to see if I could find the man that gave the sermon.  I saw him at a moderate distance getting his keys out to drive home.  The man pulls out his keys, unlocks his brand new BMW, gets in, and drives away.  A BMW? Seriously?  It should be forbidden for people to speak who are so full of hypocrisy.

Do not forget about the poor.  They are no different than the rich or the middle class. All of them are human beings and should be treated as such.  Just because some have made bad decisions or has had a challenging life doesn’t mean that they are any less than the rest of us.  In fact, the poor should be treated better than us, because they need it more than us.

My prayer for the poor

Please, oh Lord, help the poor and needy.  May they find individuals who will comfort and provide for them.  Do not let the world forget them.  God, help them and help people understand what these people go through every day. Amen.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

As a Christian, I have learned never to underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer is my connection with God. Prayer is talking to God and establishing a deep connection with Him. We often pray for many different things that take place in our lives. Life sometimes throws many challenges towards us, and it is only through prayer that we seek for God’s guidance. It matters less how you pray or where you pray from, but the most important thing in a prayer is the purpose and passion behind it. As Christians, we pray because we believe and know that God will listen to us and answer us. His answers might not be according to our will, but they are always the best.

There is so much that we want for ourselves and our loved ones. Many a times we ask ourselves, ‘How can we possibly accomplish all of them?’ The answer often lies in prayers. Our prayers have great power over the issues or the person we are praying for. We must be patient and trust God to work in His way and in His time. The Bible contains many of God’s promises to us, and we have to use these promises from God’s words as the basis for praying. We have to pray so that those promises can be a reality in our lives.

In order to witness the power of prayer, we need to pray earnestly pleading with God. Prayer is our communion with God and, therefore, we need to open our hearts and pour out our grief to Him. The Lord is our Father, and we are His children. As His children, we need to have an open expression of our woes just as a child speaks to his father or mother. Consider the story of Hannah in the Bible. After she prayed earnestly to the Lord and poured out all her distresses to the Lord, all her burden and worries disappeared. She was in divine peace with her heart and soul overflowing with joy even though the child was yet to be formed in her womb. Her persistent prayers and her patience to the Lord resulted in the birth of Samuel. This is a true testimony of how powerful prayer is.

Communication is very important to any relationship, and prayer is also crucial in our relationship with God. All of us are God’s children, and we need to be consistent and persistent like children in our prayers. God always answers them even though his response may be cryptic at times. He is a loving and merciful God and will listen to your every prayer and answer them in a way that is best for you. Keep on praying and believing in the Almighty God, and you will see the power of prayer manifesting in your life.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]