Last night, I had a conversation with a friend. We discussed the times we prayed for each other and the things we prayed for. I explained to her that I told God what I wanted. However, I never consulted God.
I am sure that we all have had these times. We prayed for something so wrong because we thought that we wanted it. Most of the time, it was something inherently good. We prayed for that new house, the new job, or even a new relationship. We thought we knew what was best for us, and if we knew what was best for us, indeed, God wanted the same.
Over this last year of wisdom earning, I learned that, in many cases, the things we want are just that, the things we want! I never prayed and asked God what he needed me to do. I told him what I wanted him to do. If I was faithful and did everything correctly, it would all work in my favor.
It did!
Everything I prayed to God for happened the way I wanted it to. But I was miserable! Instead of praising God for the blessing, I begged him to end the suffering. For the longest time, I could not comprehend what was going on. I asked myself, on several occasions, why would God bless me only to turn around and curse me? How could he place me on top of the world only to knock me off and crush me with it?
After some much-needed thinking and self-reflection, I realized God only gave me what I asked for!
I never prayed and asked God, “What can I do for your glory?” I never prayed and asked God, “Will this get me closer to my promise?” Instead, I told him how my life was going to go. He blessed me with everything I thought I wanted, but this is not what I needed. So, I ended up broken and battered.
After I came to this revelation, I then started to consult God on issues. This has made all of the difference. Now, every step I take, it is with divine purpose. Before making any moves, I stop, think, and pray. When I am uncertain about something I stop, think, and pray. I stop, think, and pray when I am lost and alone. I no longer tell God what I want; I ask him to bless me with what he knows I need.
If I can give one nugget of wisdom to anyone, it would be: Never listen to your thoughts because they force you to make irrational decisions. Never listen to your heart because they force you to make reactionary decisions. Listen to your soul, which is one with God!
Until next time:
Let God’s light shine within and through you!
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