iShineInMinistry

James 4:3-6 (NKJV)

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Do you ever feel like you are in a perpetual holding pattern with God? You seem to be stuck in the same place and once you think you are about to relocate there is yet another lull…or perhaps the “this is it” moment comes? Then, once the lull ends or the big moment ends, you are still in the same place you started...and it is a bit annoying quite honestly!

You’ve prayed, waited, prayed, fasted, prayed, served, waited, prayed and then prayed a little more…and nothing! Maybe this process has been going on for three weeks, or perhaps four years. At what point to we decide that we are being steadfast or just chalk it up to asking for something that is not God’s will?

I recently found myself in this position…and since my heart (like yours) is deceitfully wicked, I’ve decided the best prayer is just, “Lord, do what You’ve planned according to Your will.” While you may think this prayer is a cop-out, I think it is more of an all-in. The desires of our hearts may not be the best idea for us and in our stubborn, dig our heels in kind of way, we may be hardening our hearts to God’s real plan. I for one do not want this and I also would like to be fully in God’s will…so I am asking Him to just do what He does.

This seems to be a win-win for us if we go this route. God will produce in us character, we will grow in our faith and we will be fully submitted and surrendered to God’s plans instead of our selfish hopes. Eternally speaking, this is a much better place to be in.

If you too find yourself in a place of “Am I praying the right thing?” maybe a simple prayer of “God, do what You do…” is just what your heart and life needs right now. Let Him change your heart and let His plans come to fruition…and let patience have its perfect work as you walk in His plans!

Luke 1:38 (ESV)

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.