This is a picture of me on my standing exercise machine. I've had this machine for about 5 years now and have used it sporadically during that time. I've been pretty consistent with it this year and I believe it has helped in my improvement.
Last night as I was doing my 20 minutes of standing, I said outloud 'I wish this table could be raised higher.' My dad then adjusted it and raised it. Oh my gosh! Do you know how many times I've wished for that in my head but never said it aloud? Hundreds. I just didn't think it was possible. Now I can stand straighter without leaning over and it's a lot more comfortable. 30 minutes seems now more probable in my near future.
As I stood there, I immediately thought of how our prayer lives are often just like this. We don't pray for things because we don't believe it's possible. We may decide that Jane or John Doe are beyond help and think it's impossible for them to change. We may think 'that'll never happen in my lifetime.' Don't you think that kind of attitude puts God's power on a short leash? To receive it, we must first ask for it and then wait for His will to be done in the matter.
I'm adding this caption in here to remind you that prayer does not work like a vending machine. It is all dependent upon His will. He sees the big picture and knows the right response to our every prayer request. 'With God, all things are possible.'
Great analogy. Makes me think of James - we have not because we ask not. But yes, it's hard for me at times to believe that God could do this or that and it does keep me from asking.
ReplyDeleteWe were just talking about prayer in our lifegroup last week and how our prayers change depending on the person or the need....how close are we to someone who is needing that prayer and how dire are the circumstances? I know I sometimes pray for "God's will to be done" regarding a critical or terminal illness diagnosis rather than praying for that person to be healed. It seems we sometimes consider the doctor's prognosis as the "answer" without considering God's ability to perform a miracle. We do not receive because we do not ask...or we do not ask with enough faith to know that God can heal anyone and any illness. Like your analogy, Angie, we just think this is the best it can be so we just deal with it. We know from answered prayers, and from what the Word states, that God can do anything...yet we sometimes limit our expectations by forgetting just that. Instead of saying "God's will be done" (because we know it will), we should pray for a miracle (because He can)! You are so right...."with God, all things are possible." So glad you got your machine adjusted and are much more optomistic with the possibilities now! Keep on standing, girlfriend! Love you, T.
ReplyDeleteThat thought occurred to me when I was complaining about not having enough patients(I complain when they are too few, and too many):why don't you pray? Duh. I guess sometimes I forget to ask because I know I don't deserve it....but since when did I ever deserve anything the Lord gave?!! Good blog Angie! ~Mary
DeleteI love the wonderful analogy, Angie. Life is so full of belief that isn't valid for the situation and unbelief that is a hindrance to true faith. I must admit, the older I get the more I rely on "God's will be done" in certain circumstances that I am very unsure about. But that is prayer, nonetheless. Yet as Twylia said, often we just don't ask or we skirt a situation because of unbelief. The importance of asking cannot be underestimated. Thanks for the great reminder.
ReplyDeleteWe are to ask and we shall receive--like you said the results we receive may be different from what we expected because it is ultimately God's call. We know he can perform miracles and still does today--why not ask for them. I know God has miraculously provided for you many times. Mom
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder of James' "You do not have because you do not ask God." I must be more fervent in my asking. Thanks for the blog. Joel
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