Last night in Pastor Leo’s class, I was reminded of the many times we unsuspectingly ask God to specifically answer our prayers our way, forgetting to insert at any time in our prayer that His will be done. Often, when God doesn’t answer as we desired, we get discouraged or else we get upset with Him. We may even go through an extended period where no one can convince us that we’re wrong. As God’s children, we eventually come back to the realization that God did what was best. As pastor Leo rightfully pointed out, the problem is we often pray according to what we want, not what God wants. John knew what he was talking about when he wrote: “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14) Even Christ Himself, upon nearing His appointment with the cross, prayed to the Father: “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)
Throughout the years I’ve said during funeral addresses that if we were just given a glimpse of where our departed loved ones are, we would be thrilled and overjoyed for them. We would probably ask God if we could stay there with them. If nothing else, we would be convinced that God’s will is always the best way. He knows things we may never know in this life. He knows what is up ahead in our future and I choose to believe that often, when He calls His children home, He is saving them from a very sad and tragic “might have been.”
It is never a sin to ask God to answer our prayers in a specific way, as long as we add in the end that His will be done. Because we are human, there will be times when we won’t be very happy with how the Lord responded to our petition. And if we get upset with Him, its okay, He can take it. Do you stop loving your children or loved ones when they are upset with you, especially when you know they are wrong? Why would God? Accepting God’s will is not always easy but it is one lesson it will do us much good to learn and never forget. I pray you are happy for the will of God in your life today.
God’s word for today: (Romans 12:2) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
