“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.” (Psalm 142:1 NIV)
God is waiting for you. He’s waiting for you to turn to Him. He’s waiting for you to cry out to Him. He’s waiting.
What keeps us from crying out? For me, personally, pride. I want to handle things on my own. I don’t need anyone’s help. Plus, I’m helping God if I don’t bother Him with my petty problems. People are dying of cancer, I don’t need to bother God about a parking space. But I’ve learned, those thoughts are not true.
We’re the ones who prioritize prayer requests, not God.
The hardest concept I’ve had understanding as a Christ follower is this one: Everything is small stuff to God. We’re the ones who prioritize prayer requests, not God. Jesus says this:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
No where in the above verse is there a priority list. We are all weary and burdened. No one has a perfect life, no matter what it looks like from your perspective. None of us live this life without pain and struggles.
“I Still Believe” is a movie based on the life of Melissa Camp. She died at the age of 21 from ovarian cancer. Her faith and wisdom is still inspiring others. Her story didn’t have the perfect ending from the vantage point of earth. But from God’s view, her story is perfect.
Melissa had a child like faith. Even in the midst of battling cancer, she didn’t lose her faith. She believed God’s purpose was special. She understood she was where God wanted her. She understood this was her chosen path. She accepted what God was doing in her life. She lived in the moment, enjoying the people God gave her to love. She never stopped seeking God, no matter what.
Jesus tells us to have childlike faith:
“And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 2:3 NIV)
Children’s faith believes God hears their prayers, no matter what they are. When I was a child I prayed Mom would say yes to letting me spend the night at my friend’s house. I asked God for a baton or whatever toy had my interest. I believed He could answer all of those prayers. And He did. Mom either said yes or no, I either got the toy or I didn’t. But I never doubted God had heard me. I believe God has heard every prayer I’ve said over my lifetime. Prayers I’ve forgotten I prayed.
God doesn’t prioritize our prayers. Everything is small stuff to Him. He’s waiting for you to turn to Him. He’s waiting.
Question of the Day:
What are you afraid to ask God for in your life?
Further Reading: 2 Kings 6:1-7:20 NIV, Acts 15:36-16:15 NIV, Psalm 142 NIV, Proverbs 17:24-25 NIV
