Our Father is Concerned...

...with our wants. But where's the line between our desirable wants/needs and the out-of-control wants?

When do we stop asking for what we want and start asking for His will?

Here's the thing - I want a lot of things. Not like fancy cars and houses, a gazillion wardrobes, and a private jet. Nothing like that. I want my life to get on with it already. I finished college later than most do, I don't have my "career job" yet, I don't have a fully-funded emergency fund. Don't worry, this isn't a sob-story. But you get an idea of what my "wants" are.

Recently I was informed of the perfect job - I was qualified, interested, and they wanted me. A few weeks after the interview, I received the "we found someone else" email. I prayed and prayed for this job - I wanted it. But did I ever stop to consider asking for it according to His will? Yes, I did. Right after the interview, I prayed again. "Please, Lord, press it on their hearts to choose me." And then I stopped to think. And then I prayed, "Father, I really want this. I want You to want this for me too. I know that what concerns me concerns you, Lord. Please, is this what You want for me?"


Learning to pray this way helped me be (extremely) less upset when I received the news that I did not receive the job. I know that God has something better in mind for me.

I still pray for the things I want - but I also remember to ask for them if they are in accordance to His plan. If it's not part of His plan, it's all gravy! I'll just wait for the thing that IS part of his plan. This realization has taught me to stop stressing over the little things and to pick my battles. Sure, it hurt to be rejected - I'm only human, right? But I didn't whine in typical old-Meagan-fashion. I didn't cry or sulk or curse God for not giving me the job (not that I ever cursed God anyway). Instead I prayed. I know that the Lord will provide for me. My life is not set yet - I'm still finding my way. And as much as I want to just "get on with life" already, I know that I'm here for a reason. And I want my Lord God to be exemplified through my journey.

Dr. Wiersbe says, "So pray as children coming to a Father - know that He loves us and has something better for us. Pray as servants coming to a Master - "I am here, Thy will be done." Pray as worshipers coming to a great God - our Sovereign Lord."

And just know that if your plans falter, then God has something even better in store. For the instant-gratification society that we have become, it's often disappointing to not have that "something better" immediately. But just think - you wanted this thing that was really awesome and God said, "No - I have something even better." That's beyond my comprehension.

So no, I will not settle for less than God's plan. Keep praying for His will. It shall be done. It is written.