Greenpastures313’s Weblog

Kicking and screaming is how I often go in the way of God’s will. I pray, like Jesus, “Thy will be done,” but I don’t always realize just what it is that I’m saying. “God give me patience,” I ask, then gripe when I have to wait. Isn’t when we’re waiting that patience is most necessary? And would it not stand to reason that the more waiting I endure, the better I’ll become at it? God is answering the pray. “Give me faith and help me to trust you, O God,” I say, and then let doubt cloud my judgment and steal my serenity in Christ when I just know everything’s in the tank and it’s hopeless. But is not potential calamity the very thing that drives me to depend on God and builds my faith, making it stronger? God is answering the prayer. “May I forgive others as you, O Lord, forgive me,” I utter in solitude, then wonder why people feel they must hurt me, and how can I ever forgive that person? God is answering the prayer.

When we pray, we must be committed to the idea that God takes us at our word. If we pray sincerely for these and other things like them, things that make us fit for the kingdom of God, we must be ready for and welcome the answer to the prayer. We must steadily march headlong into each day with the knowledge that God’s answer may be suprisingly different than what we imagined or hoped it would be, but his is always the right answer for us. If you prayerfully seek these things (patience, faith, trust, forgiveness) prepare to be engaged.

Glenn Jarrett

First Street Church of Christ