Living Changed: Conversations With GodSample

Wanting His Will

When we pray, God wants us to ask for things we want. But ultimately, we should want what He wants for us. 

Oftentimes, we’re too focused on our small corner of the picture. From His Heavenly throne, He’s able to see the big picture of our lives and how we’re all intertwined in a bigger story. He is a good Father who lavishes love, mercy, and grace on us, and we can trust that He’s orchestrating something better than we could ever imagine.

It reminds me of years ago when I took my son to the grocery store and he was shocked to hear the price of our weekly groceries. I explained that was why I sometimes had to say no to toys he wanted. Not because I didn’t want to give things to him, but because I knew the big picture of our finances and that he needed food, clothing, and shelter more than a toy. 

Similarly, we may want a relationship with a boyfriend to work out, or we may want the new position at work. But sometimes a momentary heartbreak can prevent devastation down the road. Sometimes, God is pruning us for something even better. If we press into those moments of brokenness and temporary pain, we’ll find the purpose in it. 

When we pray, we should ask God for what we want, but only if it’s the best He has planned for us because we can’t see the master plan. The best example of how to seek God’s will in prayer is Jesus. In His flesh, He didn’t want to go to the cross and die a painful death. But ultimately, He believed in the larger plan for our salvation and prayed “not my will, but yours be done.”

I know it can be difficult to trust someone you don’t know, but we have promises in God’s Word that He is just, merciful, loving, kind, and provisional. As we get to know Him more, we learn to trust Him with our future. Surrendering our will for His perfect will grows our dependence on Him and deepens our relationship with Him.

Practice- As you pray today, ask God what He wants for your future. Tell Him what you want, but ask Him to help you want what He wants for you more than what you want for yourself. Notice how this perspective changes your prayers.