Tuesday, June 1, 2021
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR
We do not know what we ought to pray for.
Romans 8:26
OK, I’m going to say something that may raise some eyebrows…Often it is the answers to our prayers that cause many of the difficulties in our lives. I know, that sounds a bit strange, but bear with me.
Maybe I’m the only one, but…
I pray for patience and God sends demanding people my way who test me to the limit and who say and do things that get on my last nerve.
I pray to be unselfish, and God gives me opportunities to sacrifice by placing other people’s needs first.
I pray for increased faith then my money seems to take wings and fly away, or some other new trials come…trials that require more faith than ever before.
I pray for humility. Then I am asked to perform some lowly task.
I pray for gentleness and right away I face temptations to be harsh and irritable.
I pray for love for others, and God sends people my way who are difficult to love.
Has any of this ever happened to you? Maybe you guys are all completely tuned in to God and never have any of these challenges, But, just in case there is someone out there who “feels my pain,” let me share my thoughts with you.
I believe that the way to peace and victory is to accept each and every one of these circumstances – these answers to prayer – as opportunities to grow in my walk with my Heavenly Father. I’m not saying this is easy! I’m not saying that I don’t grumble and complain sometimes about people or circumstances. But, I’m getting better. I’m not where I want to be just yet, but, thank God, I’m not where I once was. I’m growing and I want to continue to grow until my Father calls me home.
Heavenly Father, We want to be better Christians. We want to improve. Forgive us for wanting to avoid the difficult lessons and help us to be willing to do whatever it takes to grow – even though it may hurt at times. Amen.
Pastor Ruth
