“If God answered all of your prayers, would the world look different or just yours?”
I was challenged with this question by a mentor 2 years ago. Let me tell you, it completely changed the way I not only started praying, but how I talk to others, what I let my mind wonder to, and how I approach situations. Y’all- this one challenged me.
The worst thing we can do and what the enemy loves most is that we as Christians get stuck in this routine of praying our regular prayers at our regular times. Maybe that’s right before every meal, or right before bed, maybe it’s only when you need God to be on your side because life presented a situation that will take a miracle to get through. Maybe praying does not come naturally for you; maybe your prayers are so surface level you don’t have huge dreams anymore? Maybe you’ve never prayed for something long enough that you got to see God’s answer in full.
I have been guilty of all of this.
It’s easy to fall in this rut where life gets busy, seasons change, and you just go with the flow. But, what if we started praying like Jesus is coming tomorrow? What if we prayed like our lives and our families lives would be changed for the good? What if Jesus answered every prayer you ever spoke?
-Jesus isn’t coming tomorrow, He’s here now.
-There is no prayer too big for our life. We were created with purpose, Jesus wants us to seek Him for that purpose.
-Every prayer is heard. Every prayer is answered in His timing and His way, even if the answer is opposite of what we thought we wanted. If you have made up your mind of what you want in a situation before you start praying, why is there a need for prayer? Let God work.
I may be the most hard headed girl in the world (so I hear) and I wanted God to answer prayers in my way and in my time. I had to learn how to be patient, this didn’t come naturally for me. Searching my heart for the greater good of the world, NOT for me is what I have learned and am still learning when talking to God.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Learning to be patient with God is not an easy task, CanIGetAnAmen? But, if we truly believe He holds our future, if we believe He knows the desires of our heart, and only wants the very best for our life, why is it so hard to trust in Him all the time? Here’s what I have concluded about that. It all boils down with being—–comfortable.
Why is it scary for some people to walk in a large room full of people, by themselves?
Why are some people intimidated by the gym?
Why do girls have to always go to the bathroom together?
Why do some like going out and meeting new people and others like to stay in?
Why are some topics of discussion harder to talk about than others?
Why do we change the channel when those commercials come on of children in other countries who are desperate for help, or the one’s about the animals who need a home?
Why have people stopped talking about what’s happening in Syria, Turkey, and those countries?
…in my opinion, it all comes down to us not being comfortable in those situations.
Let me say this first, there isn’t anything wrong with being comfortable. I come home from class or work–I put on comfy clothes. When I buy furniture, I test it out to make sure it’s soft and cushiony. When I’ve had a rough week–I want a home cooked (comfort food) meal. However, sometimes comfort can be a stumbling block. Sometimes comfort can rob us of our strength and dependence on God.
Think of a man who is so comfortable in his life with so few problems that he doesn’t do much of anything let alone worry about anything. He relaxes and enjoys life. He also becomes weak and dependent upon his routine and life. So, too, the Christian, who is very comfortable in his life, can also become weak and dependent upon the securities of life instead of God. There is nothing wrong with being comfortable unless that comfort makes us depend on God less and cause us to become complacent about the lost around us.
God has blessed us in America. We have the best of everything and only need to put on credit what our whims demand. We have heat and air conditioning, remote controls, great sound systems, fast food restaurants. We have well educated preachers, plush pews, pianos, fine tuned song leaders and choirs. We are blessed with committees, plans, and money. In fact, we have so many churches that we are guaranteed to find one that suits our preference within driving distance of where we live. We are truly blessed. But, those blessings can become curses if they weaken our desires to live for God and reach the lost.
So, I leave you with this question that was asked to me 2 years ago: If God answered all of your prayers, would the world look different or just yours?
Maybe it’s uncomfortable. Maybe it’s not exactly what you wanted. Maybe God is calling you to do something completely out of your comfort zone and you keep asking “why me.” –I can attest to this. I don’t know why God chose me for a mission such as this, but I’m sure learning a lot about patience, trust, obedience, and getting out of my comfort zone….and y’all– the trip hasn’t even started!
I’m praying that we are Christians who are not afraid to take risks if it’s what God is calling us to do. God never said “I want you to be comfortable and live an easy life,” no, he simply asks to be obedient, abide in Him, and trust His will for our life.
Peace&Blessings
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Please prayerfully consider supporting me in this mission trip coming up in August. Right now, I have an anonymous giver who will match, dollar for dollar, up to $5000 by Easter Sunday, March 27th. I appreciate you all!
