There's this thing. This thing that I have been praying about for a long time. Nobody is sick or in trouble and nothing is wrong. But this thing has been a constant prayer for me for what seems like forever. And yes, it is something that would be good for me but it would be beneficial for others also. Maybe even more of a blessing for others than it would be for me. I don't talk about it much and when I do it is only with someone I can ask to pray with me and keep the information private. While this thing would lead to other things to be prayed over because many other choices, decisions would have to be made, it is still an important thing to me. Because isn't that how it works? Any thing that happens impacts other things also?
I must admit that sometimes I do just stop thinking about it and try to be patient and know that God is always answering my prayers even though I don't really like the "no" or "not now" that I get. But I trust Him. I know that His plans are perfect. I know that He has it all under control. And that if He is saying no or not now then that is the best answer. Maybe no one else ever struggles with these answers---but I do.
Mark 11: 24 tells us: "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Maybe my belief isn't strong enough. I know God CAN but maybe I don't truly believe that He WILL. Perhaps He is waiting for me to have the faith that He has this thing under control. Therefore, I shall change my prayer from "God, please make this thing happen" to "God, give me the faith and trust I need to allow You to take care of this thing in Your time and Your way."
I strive diligently not to be a worrier because I know that worrying really does no good. So I'm not really worried about this thing either way. And I do spend time camping out in Philippians 4:6-7: 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." I am so very thankful not only for what I do have in my life but also for the things I don't have. And I do feel God's peace. The peace in knowing that He is right here with me, every step of the way. The peace that He WILL work things out in a way that is best for all concerned--even if it is not what I think is best. I'm so grateful for the fact that God sees the big picture. And, really, I'm glad that I can't. Because if I knew how everything would go over the years left in my life, I wouldn't need faith. I wouldn't need to trust Him.
So if you have a minute, pray with me and for me to have that patience. To have that knowledge deep in my heart that God will take care of this thing just as he has taken care of every other thing in my life so far.
