As-salaamu-alaikum everyone,
"God! Give me strength." This is a short and simple prayer from our tradition. We ask God to give us strength to handle all the stress, anxiety, sadness, corruption, pain and other challenges of life. But what is our expectation after making this prayer? How do we expect God to give us strength?
What would be our expectation if we asked the same thing of a strength and conditioning coach? Would we expect to immediately walk out of the gym stronger? More than likely, we would expect a long, grueling regiment that would last many months or years. Many of us, including myself, would not last long enough to reach our strength potential. I can't tell you how many times I have quit after committing to get in shape. I've been known to even question if I really need to get in shape.
I mean, I don't know anyone who has ever had to pull themselves up from the side of a cliff. I can't recall the last time I had to outrun an animal and quickly climb a tree to stay alive. Most of us will never feel the need to pray for strength until . . . we are not strong enough. With this, I am reminded that I must be spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally ready when I pray to God for strength. What am I really expecting when I make that prayer?
Am I ready for whatever God will put me through to answer my prayers? Or will the road towards spiritual strength be too difficult for me? Will I keep quitting before reaching my potential and preventing my prayer from being answered? Did I expect that when my hands came down from being raised to the sky, that I would miraculously have all that I prayed for?
Most miracles take time. The miracle of childbirth takes 9 months. And we should not lose sight of the miracle of becoming an adult that takes decades. Our bones grow and our skin grows with it. Our brains develop and our personality forms. Our faces change and shift right in front of our friends. Our parent's DNA manifests through our talents and our quirks. Growing up is a miracle for all to see hidden under the passage of time.
So be careful what you pray for. Adjust your expectations on how your prayer will be answered. Make sure you are ready to enter the spiritual gym that may have a no refund policy once the covenant is signed. Meaning, if you ask, you may have to receive. Are you ready!?
Then let us raise our hands. Pray for strength. Pray for peace. Pray for patience. Pray for good grades and ease on your finals. Pray for everything your heart desires and everything the world needs. Now step back, brace yourself, and watch the miracles manifest all around you over time.
Brother Joshua
