We have a strong-willed 3 year old who is usually a fairly good kid, most of the time. When he gets tired, or if he decides there is something he wants he becomes determined and won’t budge from his demands. We often give him an option from two acceptable choices and let him pick, and if neither is a good choice in his eyes, he stands there and pouts and tries to wait you out. It doesn’t work. We don’t budge, but if we did, his determination would instantly grow ten-fold. Once we think a tactic works to get our way, we are even more motivated to try it again. I am amazed at how often I think some of these 3 year-old tactics will work for me as well. What about you…what strategies have you used to convince someone that you are right and should get what you want? Does it always work?
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10
If we think we can trick God into getting what we want, then we would stick with this strategy and always try to find a way, because we know better, right? If we were just persistent in asking for what we thought was best for us, we may be able to wait him out, or change his mind. Or maybe by waiting, we may change our own minds. When we go to God in prayer, it is not about asking God to give us what we want, but to conform our wills to His, because what He wants is always best. Maybe not always for us, but for others, and maybe not in the short term, but often in the long-term. May we hear from God today about what is best and may we then act accordingly!
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36
Yours in Christ,
Clarrk
