God already knows what I want, of course, but I tell Him anyway. When life gets tough, I pray...
"Please, God, let my son grow into a man, a man after your own heart."
"Please, God, let my husband not have cancer."
"Please. Please."
And God can say "No."
He can say, "I will do with your son as I see fit." or "It's time for your husband to come home to me."
"No, please....No, God."
That's when the problem expands from the situation itself to the condition of my own heart. Is this my crisis of faith? Am I lukewarm because I want one alternative over the other?
Then I remember Jesus:
My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.--Matthew 26:39
Jesus had a preference for outcome, too. His body did not want to suffer either, and we share the same kind of bloody, heartbeating flesh. My humanity, like His, longs for ease and communion.
Wanting these is not the crisis of faith. The crisis comes not in the wanting, but in the response--the ability to say, like Jesus did,
Yet not as I will, but as You will.--Matthew 26:39
Ease and good fortune have their eyes focused on earth. My sweet God wants me to look higher and when I do, I find, like Him, the joy set before me. Then, with Christ beside and my eyes fixed resolutely on my own Calvary, I can walk up the hill.
Such a good post.
ReplyDeleteJust this morning I was reading a talk given by Elder Richard G Scott. In it he said, "Just when all seems to be going right,
ReplyDeletechallenges often come in multiple doses applied
simultaneously. When those trials are not
consequences of your disobedience, they are
evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared
to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He
therefore gives you experiences that stimulate
growth, understanding, and compassion which
polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get
you from where you are to where He wants
you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that
generally entails discomfort and pain." I guess that's why trials can actually be a source of inner joy, because it shows us we are ready for the next 'hill'. Love your post. Blessings and hugs. New follower.
"Just when all seems to be going right,
Deletechallenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously." No kidding, and it's the simultaneous part that particularly pinches. But, oh, the beauty of the clear plain on the other side....
Thanks for following.
That struggle of Jesus in the garden is exactly the thing that helps me when I go through this kind of I-can't-help-it desiring. He more than understands, doesn't He? It just all boils down to the final "Not my will but Thine." Hard getting there sometimes. I just keep crying out to Him for help then.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this good post.
He feels our suffering and knows our fears. The power comes in knowing his will is best! Good post!
ReplyDeleteSo true. We need to ever be mindful of this when tough times come, and they certainly will.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
When we submit to His will and His timing, it shows humility and that is what God desires.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at "Tell me a Story."
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult when God seems to say no and we were asking for something else. I feel your pain and so does HE. We don't understand the things that happen that we wish we could change, but HE does. May God grant you strenght for each day as you trust in Him for His plan.
I just love this and needed this today. I often pray as King David, "Grant me a willing spirit."
ReplyDeleteYes, ma'am, I do too.
DeleteIt's true, we don't like things the hard way, but we do face struggles in life. But when we surrender our will to His, He will give us the peace that passes all understanding.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
Oh wow. This one was for me. That is FOR SURE.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. It's so true that we want the good life here rather than wait for the good life to come. May my heart always respond, your will be done.
ReplyDelete