The Rebuild: Matthew 5-7Sample

One of the first times I remember praying as a child, I asked for golden ducks. I was five, and I thought gold and ducks were both cool. I said to God, “When I get home, could you please fill my room with golden ducks?”

I was of course disappointed when the prayer was met with a “No!”. At the time, my understanding of prayer and this passage was superficial. I imagined God was like a genie who grants wishes. But God is not a genie; He is our perfect Father! He knows what’s best for us and answers our prayers accordingly. He isn’t stingy or trying to deny us joy when He does not answer our prayers like a genie, but in His perfect wisdom, He sees what is truly good for us.

Ultimately, He wants to give you the Holy Spirit. He is inviting you into a relationship with Him and encouraging you to keep drawing near. Lay your burdens, desires, and heart before Him. He will answer your prayers. Some might be like ‘golden ducks’ that He says no to. But in the end, He will give you what you truly need, and what is best for you.

Today, ponder this: How does knowing that God has perfect wisdom and timing change the way that you ask for things from Him? How can you trust in God's provision and sovereignty when asking for things in prayer?