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The Fourth Watch: Receiving Divine Help When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered
The wind was fierce, and the disciples of Jesus had long rowed against it before the Lord finally came to them, walking on the water in the fourth watch of the night-somewhere between 3:00 and 6:00 A.M. In this talk on CD, Michael Wilcox compares this with our won experiences in challenging times. When our trials go on indefinitely, we should not assume that God does not hear our prayers, or that He does not care, or that we are unworthy. Perhaps we have not yet reached the "fourth watch." This comforting message increases our faith and patience, offers profound hope and solace, and explains how the Lord often works with us.
Talk on 1 compact disc.
Approx. running time: 74 min.
About the Author
S. Michael Wilcox received his Ph.D. at the University of Colorado and is an institute instructor at the University of Utah. He has also taught institute classes in Alberta, Canada, and Arizona, and has guided tours to the Holy Land and LDS Church history sites. He received the Orton Literary Award in 1996 for his book House of Glory. In addition he has published several other books and talks, including Don't Leap With the Sheep and Who Shall be Able to Stand?: Finding Personal Meaning in the Book of Revelation. He and his wife, Laura, have five children and live in Draper, Utah.
Audio CD
First published May 1, 2004
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About the author
S. Michael Wilcox
53 books143 followersS. Michael Wilcox is an instructor at the institute of religion adjacent to the University of Utah. A frequent speaker at Brigham Young University Education Week, Michael also conducts tours of the Holy Land, Church history sites, Europe, China, and Central America. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Brigham Young University, a master’s in media from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in educational philosophy. He is the author of House of Glory and When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 22, 2012
I haven't loved the last couple of Bro Wilcox books but this was exceptional! I loved it! It contained some great insight into life's trials, when the Lord helps us and when he prepares us in advance. Great stuff!!!!
November 3, 2024
4.5 stars. I have a hard time giving a high rating to a talk (compared to a full size book), but this one is really good and packed with insightful and perspective-changing thoughts. Also, I just really like Michael Wilcox. His premise is that while we want a “First-watch” God, we worship a “Fourth-watch” God, who purposely waits to intervene or show His hand. He gives many examples in the scriptures of this truth and what it looks like. We may wrongly assume that God isn’t listening, that he doesn’t care, or that we are not worthy. But God is fully aware and listening and we can take comfort trusting that He knows what is best for us, knows how to give good gifts, and can make even negative things good. I loved the reminder that even when he doesn’t calm the storm, he will prepare us beforehand and strengthen us to be able to endure it. This has also been my experience, and it is a tender moment when he shows/reminds me of how He has done this. I also liked his thoughts on the given good vs the expected good and how he is always a “First-watch” God when it comes to forgiveness. So many great truths to ponder in this short talk. I definitely recommend it.
-Allegory of the olive tree (Jacob 5) - Even in the poorest spots of the vineyard (he knowest it’s a poor spot—he is aware), there are others in a poorer situation than you; we can bring forth good fruit because God nourishes it/us; it’s not the part of the ground that matters, it’s how we respond to the nourishing; and the poorest of poor spots can bring forth some of the best fruits
-God will turn all things in our life for good; “he shall consecrate thy afflictions for thy gain;” God’s greatness is found in his ability to do this
-Twice in Revelation and once in Isaiah God promises that He will wipe away all tears —most intimate and loving gesture
-Love this quote by C.S. Lewis - “Ye cannot in your present state understand eternity...That is what mortals misunderstand. They say of some temporal suffering, "No future bliss can make up for it," not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory. And of some sinful pleasure they say "Let me have but this and I'll take the consequences": little dreaming how damnation will spread back and back into their past and contaminate the pleasure of the sin. Both processes begin even before death. The good man's past begins to change so that his forgiven sins and remembered sorrows take on the quality of Heaven: the bad man's past already conforms to his badness and is filled only with dreariness. And that is why...the Blessed will say "We have never lived anywhere except in Heaven, : and the Lost, "We were always in Hell." And both will speak truly."
-Allegory of the olive tree (Jacob 5) - Even in the poorest spots of the vineyard (he knowest it’s a poor spot—he is aware), there are others in a poorer situation than you; we can bring forth good fruit because God nourishes it/us; it’s not the part of the ground that matters, it’s how we respond to the nourishing; and the poorest of poor spots can bring forth some of the best fruits
-God will turn all things in our life for good; “he shall consecrate thy afflictions for thy gain;” God’s greatness is found in his ability to do this
-Twice in Revelation and once in Isaiah God promises that He will wipe away all tears —most intimate and loving gesture
-Love this quote by C.S. Lewis - “Ye cannot in your present state understand eternity...That is what mortals misunderstand. They say of some temporal suffering, "No future bliss can make up for it," not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory. And of some sinful pleasure they say "Let me have but this and I'll take the consequences": little dreaming how damnation will spread back and back into their past and contaminate the pleasure of the sin. Both processes begin even before death. The good man's past begins to change so that his forgiven sins and remembered sorrows take on the quality of Heaven: the bad man's past already conforms to his badness and is filled only with dreariness. And that is why...the Blessed will say "We have never lived anywhere except in Heaven, : and the Lost, "We were always in Hell." And both will speak truly."
August 30, 2020
I use ratings to decide which books I am going to buy, and I recently decided I am partially responsible for inflating the ratings on books. Either they were 5 star or 1 star. I decided to use the star rating more objectively as follows:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
Patience is a virtue and this book explains why. Many of the claims against God are because of his the perceived indifference he has toward us. This book helps explain some of that perception. It is comforting and timely in our troubling world.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
Patience is a virtue and this book explains why. Many of the claims against God are because of his the perceived indifference he has toward us. This book helps explain some of that perception. It is comforting and timely in our troubling world.
February 4, 2022
Short and precise thoughts on the situation we deal with on daily basis - when we feel the struggles are too big, when we feel left alone with them, when it seems like no one is listening to our prayers. It's important to clarify: these thoughts aren't doctrine but a personal interpretation of some passages in the Scriptures that can help us understand something else. And this interpretation is what is valuable here, the comparisons are simple but powerful. While many books on the doctrine are quite hard to read, this one is easy. I would definitely reread this alongside the Scriptures in the moments of despair
September 17, 2019
Good talk to listen to. Brother Wilcox had some insights that were very helpful to me. We need to understand that the Lord will be there for us but we need to realize that He will do so in His own way and time frame. But He will jump up to us when we repent.
September 11, 2017
listened to on CD. Wonderful
February 12, 2018
I heard him speak about this book in person and really appreciated his insight and perspective.
December 31, 2019
A must read.
August 26, 2021
I learned so much from this book about how God works with His children and shows His love!!!
March 21, 2012
I absolutely love this!!! I first bought it back in 2004. Since then I listen to it probably 4 times a year. Frankly because I love it! It helps put things into perspective for me and remind me that things are going to work out and that when it feels like I have given my all and the Savior has yet to come that he will and I still can keep going... My life motto is "If I will but do the difficult, God will ALWAYS do the impossible." HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 10, 2014
Although it can feel discouraging at times to realize that we worship a "Fourth Watch God," the notion that we have been prepared ahead of time for challenges that we will face and that we are "tight like a dish" can be comforting during difficult times. Of course, we must be making the daily effort to put oil in our lamps if we expect to remain "tight like a dish" and have the strength to face difficulties as they arise. Thanks to Debra for giving me this great audio gift!
August 23, 2023
We worship a fourth watch God. In His timing and in His wisdom, He will make our trials work together for our good. When it comes to repentance, He is a first watch God. He immediately and fully forgives when we are sincere and honest in our efforts to change and grow into the kind of disciple He would have us become.
January 15, 2009
This is an absolutely fabulous talk. I've heard it given at Time Out For Women a few years ago. I checked it out of the library and just finished listening to it. I recommend it to all. It's well worth your time!
September 18, 2014
Listened to this on the way to and from work. This answered many of the questions I have had concerning my prayers and communication with The Lord. Great reminders and new insights. I hope someone else finds it as helpful as I did.
July 2, 2015
This talk was amazing and shared messages that I really needed to hear. It wasn't very long, but very good. I have been trying to find a written transcript but haven't been successful yet. I would highly recommend it and will definitely listen to it again in the future.
April 18, 2008
A little slow moving, but a couple really touching stories and concepts that will stay with you.
January 30, 2008
Great words of encouragement!
July 2, 2008
I downloaded this onto my ipod, and I listen to it all the time when I'm sad. It's great.
September 10, 2008
Life changing--is it possible to give a CD more than five stars?
May 23, 2010
Some really good insights and new thoughts on old ideas. I recommend it.
September 6, 2010
This was an amazing talk! I think I listened to it about 5 times before I returned it. Very inspiring and comforting. Eye opening.
April 27, 2012
This one has really helped me to deal with some things in my life. It is a must read!
April 30, 2012
One of the best talks I have ever heard. Saving grace for me.
May 7, 2012
I learned how to pray and wait for answers. I felt like he said things I knew, but didn't know I knew until he said them. It was like having my thoughts put into words and validated!
November 24, 2012
Heard this as a talk then ordered the cd. It made a big impact in my life. I listen to it often.
April 16, 2014
Love to listen to his stuff! A BIG fan!! We worship a "fourth watch God" is the theme for this CD. Great info when you think your prayers are never answered.
August 8, 2015
This book changed my life! I refer to it very often and would recommend it to anyone!
November 11, 2023
I've listened to this talk before and enjoyed it then. Or was definitely worth the time to visit it again, and I definitely needed it now in the middle of my 4th watch.
January 4, 2012
One of the most amazing talks I've ever heard.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews