When we pray to God, we often say at the end of our prayer something like this, "I pray this according to Your will, Lord. Amen." ...But do we really mean that? Many times we come to God with our selfish desires, and we want God to answer us "according to my will, Lord. Amen" We just know that our way is the BEST way. We can't imagine that there could be a better way!
I have prayed for years that God would take away the almost constant pain I have. But God keeps saying, "No." And I keep saying, "Why won't You take this pain away? If You take it away, then I can use the gifts You have given me. I can't serve You when I am in pain daily. It just doesn't make sense to me! I want to serve You." His "no" answer coupled with my pain would make me feel like I had no value.
One day I realized that God didn't want to take my pain away. What?!! Why not? That was just not something I could comprehend. But God had other plans for me.
Remember Paul and the thorn in his side that caused him so much pain? Paul prayed three times that the Lord would take his thorn away. God's response each time was no. We don't know what his thorn was. It could have been physical or emotional; but whatever it was, God permitted Satan to sift and torment Paul. Satan thought surely Paul couldn't be used by God while dealing with such pain. But God meant it and used it for good. And we know that God causes everything to work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28God does the same for us. When we are willing to let go of our desires, then He can begin to work in our lives also. My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor. 12:7-9) When Paul was willing to accept his pain, then God's grace could begin to work in his life. Before Paul believed that Christ died for his sins, He had Christians imprisoned and some put to death. God, through a relationship with Christ, brought Paul understanding of what grace is. And that grace took Paul from persecuting believers to preaching and discipling others for Christ; and they, in turn, went out and did the same. Paul was given strength and determination to do this work despite the thorn that didn't go away. Paul's passion became doing the better plan God had for him.
All of us need God's grace. God's grace is Him giving us what we don't deserve. He gives us His unconditional love and His perfect holy Son who died for our sins. Can we accept God's answer of no to our will and say yes to doing His will in our lives?
I am excited! I am willing to accept His answer and say, "I pray this in Your will, Lord." I am ready to go out into this great world and see what He has for me that is much better that what I could have planned for myself. I hope you are willing to accept God's answer for you and get excited to see Him reveal His better plan for you!
Jan Craig
