Mommy, watch this.

Mom, watch this.

Watch this, mom.

Mommy, wa—

I HEAR you!

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I’m not sure why, but the surest way to get my son to ask a question is to start having any kind of sustained conversation with my spouse. It’s like the dull hum of our voices is just the security blanket he needs for the wonder of his world to really come alive. If you’re a parent or teacher, you know—the struggle is real!  

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Of course I’ve got my sarcasm flag flying high here, but the reality is that my son is still learning what it means to be heard. To him, being heard means someone responds - and if he has his way - immediately. But as adults, we’ve learned that’s just not the full scope of what it means to be heard. Sometimes other factors are at play (like a conversation that is already happening!). We’re quite familiar with making requests and having to wait for action to follow OR the outcome not aligning with our expectations. We have learned through much experience, however, that neither of these results mean you weren’t heard.

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Do we hold the same mature expectations with God? Or do we slip into the habits of my five year old? He calls out again and again, with barely a breath in between, entirely assuming I have not heard his request until I audibly respond. He has no capacity at this age for patience in this way, although he can certainly learn and grow in it. Are you the same with God? Do you have the capacity to wait on the Lord, confident you have been heard?  

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Hebrews highlights this fascinating reality in the life of Jesus: being heard does not always directly correlate with the outcomes we immediately see.  

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Hebrews 5:7 says, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”  

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Jesus prayed - fervently - with weeping - that the Father would save him from death.  

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He was heard, the text says.

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And yet, we know the story - Jesus went to the cross all the same.  

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In Matt. 26:39, Jesus cries out these words to the Father in prayer: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” This cup - the cross, the death he was going to die - he asked that it not happen. Jesus asked for a different outcome.  

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But God’s response was no. This moment does away with the false idea of God as a genie in a bottle who does what you want if you’re a good little boy or girl. Jesus had no sin, and yet, God told him no.  

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And yet, Hebrews tells us, Jesus was heard.  

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See, we can know today what my son hasn’t yet learned: outcomes don’t necessarily reflect your status as son. And sons, they’re heard - always! Any parent knows - the cries of your kid - they stand out incredibly from the crowds. You know them; you hear them - how can you not?! You know the voice of your kid. Of course, you hear them.  

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The same is true of our Father God. Psalm 34:15 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Know this today, friend - God does hear you.  

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And yet, our circumstances may not always reflect it like we expect. We may need to wait on the Lord’s timing (think of Daniel 10:12-13!). God may be giving you an answer you don’t like. He may be working a plan that was different than yours, but actually so much better.  

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See, Jesus’ request wasn’t answered immediately, but Hebrews reminds us that Jesus asked the Father to save him from death, and he did! Not from the cross - not from the crucible of suffering that accomplished the ultimate good - but Jesus did not stay in the grave. He was raised to life forevermore - a final victory over death - an outcome that was so much better.

So, what are you crying out to God for today? Whatever it is, know that you are heard by your Father, just as Jesus was. I don’t know what the outcome will be. Maybe it’s a…

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Wait.”

“Help is coming.”

“Watch this.”

“I’ve got something better up my sleeve.”

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That’s between you and God. No matter what your circumstances look like, though, rest in this: Today, you are heard by the Father.