“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6)
Two talk show hosts find themselves at odds over a botched communication that one of them is planning to leave his co-host job for a bigger role on the network’s morning program. Hearing the news at almost the same time as it was released to the public, his female counterpart then fails to appear on their program for several days stating that she feels betrayed and hurt. After a lot of media drama and behind-the scene conversations, the two reunite on-the-air apparently under an agreement to “play nice”. Now he is transitioning off of the show sooner than expected, and there is much speculation that if she doesn’t get a new co-host of her choosing, she might also walk away when her contact expires. It has led to a lot of labeling from him being classified as ‘inconsiderate’ for not giving her a heads-up to her being called a ‘diva’ for the way she reacted. If you pull back from taking sides and the emotion of all of this – it just makes you want to yell out, “What is it that you want?” There are so many more important things to be concerned about than how this plays out, but the world watches in anticipation.
A relative of mine recently related a story about her friend who some time ago had been diagnosed with cancer. After several series of chemotherapy treatments, it will soon be time for an imaging test to scan for the presence of the disease. The friend has told my relative that she is asking God to be healed, stating “I know I am expecting a miracle but that’s what I want.” In a desire to not discourage the friend, her reply was that certainly if that was God’s will, He could make it so. She is concerned that if the scan continues to show presence of the cancer that her friend, who has been doing somewhat better, will lose heart and not continue to progress. By helping the friend to recognize the progress and giving thanks for what God has already done, she has created an atmosphere for continued healing rather than defeat. She also encouraged her friend to help God reveal what it is that she might be able to learn about her faith journey while in this current situation.
Is it acceptable to be very specific with God about our needs? At times, Jesus was quite direct with people who were seeking His help. “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:46-52).
When we have someone whom we care about in crisis – the first question most of us normally ask is, “What can I do to help?” We ask for specifics, because when we have something concrete, we can focus on meeting that need. Should we think that the God who created us cares any less than we? Of course not. It is important that we not only be specific but also persistent. Jesus said: “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). His timing might not meet our expectations, and His answer may come in a different form that we might expect. But be assured, God hears our requests and answers our prayers according to his merciful will and purpose in our lives. He never gives up on you, so don’t give up on Him. When we keep praying and don’t lose heart in spite of our frustration and disappointment – we affirm our relationship with Him. and He realizes just how much we are trusting Him. And in the end, that is precisely what prayer calls into question: What do you really want?
REFLECTION; Are there time that you have wondered why you have to keep asking God for what He knows you need? Have you been specific, persistent, and accepting of God’s timing in your prayers? Do you want God even more than you want what you are asking for?
A NEW LOOKUP DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MAY 7, 2016. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.