Dangerous PrayersSample

Nerves and Self-doubt

If all of your recent prayers were answered, what would the world around you look like? Would people see a comfortable life, or would they see Jesus at work through your answered prayers? Our prayer life is one of the most important tools we have as Christians, yet many of us pray small prayers. Sometimes we pray bold prayers for healing or new opportunities, but how often do we pray prayers that make us nervous?

Unlike Isaiah, some of us stop short of asking God to ‘send me’. And if we’re honest, I think we’re scared of what God will say. What if He actually answers that prayer and asks us to sell everything we have? Or to preach the Gospel on the other side of the world? What if He asks us to do something that is uncomfortable or that will set us apart from our friends or family?

Or what if He doesn’t answer? Deep down, some of us fear that God doesn’t actually want to use us. We avoid those prayers because we don’t believe that we’re valuable to the world or to God: ‘God may use others, but He doesn’t want to use me. And if He doesn’t want to use me, then maybe He doesn’t love me after all.’

But here’s the truth; God loves you. You. Deeply and with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). He created you for a purpose. So seek His heart. Pray those bold prayers. He may not answer instantly, but He will answer. If you allow Him, He’ll use you in ways you’ve never imagined. But trust Him. Trust Him to make the way for you and to lead you. And know that whatever He asks of you, He will go before you and be with you every step of the way.

Written by LEILA ARMSTRONG