Today’s scripture: Romans 8:1-8 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynette Pullen):
Lately, I have been struggling with something. I have asked and prayed for something that God has chosen not to bless me with. Everyone says I will be blessed soon and I should just “have faith”. But, honestly, I don’t know what that means. I have no doubt in my mind that God is fully capable of doing what I asked. I have done all that I can to make it happen, but, it has yet to come to fruition. People around me are getting exactly what I have requested in half the time with a fraction of the effort. “What am I doing wrong?” I ask God. Is my answer “no” or “not now”? What am I missing? Am I being punished for the mistakes I have made? Is this a test of my faith? These are all the questions I wrestle with day in and out.
It has gotten to the point of near obsession. It frequently crosses my mind and has become a burden on my heart. I have no peace or rest. I am constantly trying to reason and make sense out of what is going on. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Maybe this is it. Maybe it won’t get any better than this. Maybe this is what God has chosen for me. Why? My immediate knee jerk reaction was anger and grief. I want this so badly, but then I think to myself, “Does God want this for me? And if not, why?”
I may not know the answer to these questions, but I know one thing. No matter what the circumstance, I trust God. Maybe that is what it means to be faithful. Having faith in God that while we, as mere humans, may not understand why things happen, the Creator of the universe most certainly has it all under control. As I read Romans 8:1-8, versus 5-6 really resonated with me. The Amplified Bible version reads:
For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the spirit and are controlled be the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the Holy Spirit. Now the mind of the flesh which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit is death (death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter). But the mind of the Hold Spirit is life and (soul) peace (both now and forever).
Perhaps it’s not what I want that is the problem so much as why I want it. A fleshy desire can mask itself under a seemingly holy guise. Today, I have decided that I will be content with whatever God chooses for me. I know that God is completely aware of my own desires and will do what is best for me. I release the tension, anxiety and stress that I have allowed because of my own desire to get my way. While I may be disappointed, I am not broken. I will gladly accept whatever my Lord plans for me.
Prayer for the day: God, may Your will for me be my will for me. Forgive me for getting caught up in fleshly desires and using simple reason to try to understand Your complex and comprehensive plan for my life. I completely trust You, Lord. I am content and completely satisfied with all the You have blessed me with. Help me to align my thoughts and desires with Yours. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.