Have you ever pleaded with God to give you what you want? When God answers prayers, he takes care of every detail. God knows us inside and out. We may not even know what we need. God does. When God answers prayers, it is all good. There are no tricks or deceit. God answers our prayers wholly and completely.
When I was younger, I remember trying to bargain with God. If you just give me this, I will do that. Then, my whole life will change and be better. The thing is, without God, your whole life will not change and be better. God can graciously answer prayer after prayer, and we still are not completely happy. Why? We really need God to fill the void in our lives. We cannot buy enough stuff. We cannot have enough friends. We cannot have enough money. Nothing we desire will ever make us completely happy, except God.
I have learned that I need to trust in God’s timing. God’s plans are perfect. Sometimes, it may feel like God saves us in an instant before our lives explode into utter chaos and destruction. And, maybe he does. In that instant we know how much we need God. In that instant, we see what could have happened. In that instant we praise God for not letting it happen.
In the bible, Satan tested Jesus. Satan told Jesus to throw himself down. Satan quoted the bible, saying Jesus could command the angels to lift him up. Jesus had the power to do just that, but he didn’t. Jesus said that you do not put God to the test.
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
–Luke 4:9-12 (NIV)
Is anything you do putting God to the test? It is hard to let go of control and trust in God. When you do trust in God, it is amazing. Why? Even if the outcome is not what you want, God will give you grace and peace to get through it.
Do not put God to the test. God has a plan. God will work out everything for your good. I can speak from experience, let go of control. Give your worries to God. He has this.
Embrace This Beautiful Life 