What you really really Want!!!
Once a while, i like to write an article or 2 and make all my friends (or bosses) read hehe! So here's the latest! Bear with my broken english!
Pray only for what u really want ..
1) Higher
Isa 55:9
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
God has make it pretty clear that his perfect will for us is always different and 'higher' than our own solution. So whatever answers u are seeking from God, always expects a different and better solution than what u have thought!
2) Good vs God
What is good for us may not always be what God has for us. The worst scenario would be the good things hindering the God things.
For example, when i was looking for a job 2 years ago, i ask God to direct me. In my heart, i named a special condition .. a non-army related job! 2.5 years in NS is enough for me. So i prayed and prayed from August to October but nothing happened. This made me perplexed if not worried. After 2-3 months, i 'threw' away this special condition and the rest is history. (Yes i ended up in Singapore Technologies, a defence company serving loads of army customers)
I have noticed in my 20+ years on earth that there are always people putting abit too much time in doing something. In my school days, there are people studying 24 hrs a day. (while they are sleeping, their subconscious are doing calculus) Of couse such attitudes are perfectly fine if not good, yet doing something too much always means there are less time for some other things. That "some other things" may have eternal consequences so doing the 'good' things may mess us up if we are not careful.
3) Pray only what u want
Pro 3:6
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
As seen from my job hunting case, God is simply not interested in directing us when we already have our own ways of doing things. If we are not careful, we may misinterpret our plans as God's plan, and blame God when it fails. God wants to know what is in our heart regarding matters, but he is seriously against us making the decision without Him.
The key probably is to stay neutral when we are praying. It's important to express our inward desire to God. But we must make sure in the end of the day if what we want is not what God wants, are we still able to let go?
For example, Jesus prayed this pray before his cruxification.
Mt 26:39
"He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Although Jesus expressed his fear and unwillingness at dying on the cross, he stayed neutral and ask for God's will to be done regardless of his feelings.
4) Next Time
So the next time u pray regarding a matter, be open to His ways! If u have already make up your mind, u should 'undecide' your decision and tell God, "not as i will, but as U will". Remember that although our own ways may look easier or more sensible, it is going to hurt us in some ways in the time to come. Spare yourself of unneccessary headaches and heart-aches by going for the BEST = The Will of God!
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Mt 7:13-14
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
Luke 6:48 (for NIV fans!)
"He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built."
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