Prayer: Yielding to God's Will

This is a tough subject. I do not want you to think that we can get anything we want from the LORD, or that life is easy. Jesus said in this world we will have trouble, (John 16:33). However, asking the Lord for something with a right attitude can be very powerful. We are not God or even a god and cannot even think the way He does. He knows all things and knows what is best for us. We were created by Him and for Him. He desires the fellowship of our relationship. 

Matthew 6:33(NIV)  33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Years ago I wanted a particular job with a large company where my husband worked. I thought it would be perfect to work there because they paid very well with great benefits. It was a great place for my husband and the work went a long with my college major. Perfect right? So, I began praying, asking the Lord for a job there. I prayed two years! I never changed my prayer in that two years. I also never asked the Lord if He thought it was perfect or even what He thought about it. Then shortly after the two year mark it dawned on me maybe I was acting like a young child when a child just really wants something. I changed the way I prayed. I gave up. I told the Lord, "wait...I am wrong Lord. I have been praying all this time thinking about me. Lord I want Your will not mine. If it is Your will that I have this job, then wonderful, otherwise I don't want it." I received a call that week and was interviewed and offered a job--at a salary higher than my husbands! I knew this was from the LORD and He taught me a lot through the process. Now looking back on my job/careers I can see how the Lord has orchestrated many events and many blessings. 

Keep talking to the Lord!

Job 22:21(NIV) 21  “Submit to God and be at peace with him;  in this way prosperity will come to you.

God wants to talk to You!

John 10:27New International Version (NIV)

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 

God taught me this lesson about 15 years ago. My church had asked us to pray each day for a specific request for Upward Basketball. This was the first time in my life that I began having a daily quiet prayer time with the Lord. It changed my life and I believe saved my life!

At this same time I was going through a time with melanoma on my leg. (I didn't know it was melanoma. God had just told me to get the mole off.) Then, first three, then two more bumps came up on my hand. They were very strange wart-like moles. God used these to get me a referral to the doctor so I could get the melanoma removed before it spread. During this time one morning I woke up to God asking me a question. He said, "Why haven't you asked Me to remove the things on your hand?" I began to pray and answer Him. I began by asking for forgiveness for not talking to Him about my hand. I explained that they weren't bothering me at all and I was not really concerned about them. They didn't hurt or bother me. I just thought they were probably something minor that needed to be removed at some point. But, I did ask God to remove them. He said He would. 

I explained to my girls that God wants conversation with us. It's like for me as their mom, I want them to talk to me. I want them to talk to me about everything and anything, whether something bothers them or not. Our relationship with the Lord is like that too. Talk to Him about everything. Give Him time to talk back too.

When I went to the dermatologist to get the mole on my leg removed, the things on my hand were gone! I had done nothing special to them. They just gradually disappeared over a 6 week period. God is so powerful and true to His Word. 

If you do not already have a quiet time with the Lord I want to encourage you to start talking to God right now, everyday. It can change your life too!

1 Peter 5:7New International Version (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Matthew 10:30-31New International Version (NIV)

30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.