Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8
Ever feel like your a whining toddle at the feet of the Lord rather than a strong, confident woman? It seems in this day and age we are encouraged to ask again and again and again for what we need. In fact we are reminded on a constant basis of what we need, where to get it and how much it costs. Sometimes this crosses over into our prayer life as well.
When we enter into a time of struggles, difficulties or just day to day living, we pull out a special catalogue with all our needs itemised, labelled, pictured with a cost placed next to it. We can even start bargaining with the Lord or giving Him a "special discount". We make a way for our needs to be achieved. It works for us but there is a slight problem. It doesn't work for God.
You see God already knows our needs before we ask. You see, God knows our needs because He has a different focus on our life. We see our needs in accordance to his walk with us. He sees our needs according to our walk with Him. Notice the difference? Am I walking with God or is God walking with me? And if I am walking with God wouldn't He know the path I am taking, the problems I will face and my needs along the way? Of course He would.
A walking guide is the one who carries the map and compass; makes sure there is enough food and water; makes sure there is shelter when needed; and knows how far he can push his fellow walkers. Sometimes we think God is asking us to be His guide. So we pray and pray and pray wondering why God isn't answering us when the truth is God is just waiting for us to follow Him.
So today, instead of taking out my catalogue of prayer requests and asking God for all the things I need to walk along His path, I am going to let Him take control. I am going to ask Him to show me what I need to take on this journey. I am going to ask Him to allow me the opportunity to see where I am going but God rarely allows me to plan ahead. So I will wait in the knowledge that God will have all that I need when I need it without me asking all the time!
Ever feel like your a whining toddle at the feet of the Lord rather than a strong, confident woman? It seems in this day and age we are encouraged to ask again and again and again for what we need. In fact we are reminded on a constant basis of what we need, where to get it and how much it costs. Sometimes this crosses over into our prayer life as well.
When we enter into a time of struggles, difficulties or just day to day living, we pull out a special catalogue with all our needs itemised, labelled, pictured with a cost placed next to it. We can even start bargaining with the Lord or giving Him a "special discount". We make a way for our needs to be achieved. It works for us but there is a slight problem. It doesn't work for God.
You see God already knows our needs before we ask. You see, God knows our needs because He has a different focus on our life. We see our needs in accordance to his walk with us. He sees our needs according to our walk with Him. Notice the difference? Am I walking with God or is God walking with me? And if I am walking with God wouldn't He know the path I am taking, the problems I will face and my needs along the way? Of course He would.
A walking guide is the one who carries the map and compass; makes sure there is enough food and water; makes sure there is shelter when needed; and knows how far he can push his fellow walkers. Sometimes we think God is asking us to be His guide. So we pray and pray and pray wondering why God isn't answering us when the truth is God is just waiting for us to follow Him.
So today, instead of taking out my catalogue of prayer requests and asking God for all the things I need to walk along His path, I am going to let Him take control. I am going to ask Him to show me what I need to take on this journey. I am going to ask Him to allow me the opportunity to see where I am going but God rarely allows me to plan ahead. So I will wait in the knowledge that God will have all that I need when I need it without me asking all the time!