What Do You Want?
Most of us want what we want. We are relatively self-centered when it comes to our life. Yes, I know that a good husband wants to give his wife what she desires, so he will give in to what she wants at times. The same is true for parents and children. Even a good friend will go out of his or her way to do what pleases their friend sometimes. However, most of the time we want what we want, especially when it comes to important decisions about our life. Jesus showed us a better way in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew He was about to be sentenced to the most panful, terrible death that anyone could ever die. His human nature did not want to have to go through that suffering, so He prayed to the Father for a way out. (Mark 14,35,36) He knew that His Father could give Him a way out, if anyone could, so that was His prayer. Finally, Jesus realized that He could not end His prayer like that, so He said, "Not what I want - what do You want?" I believe we should pray that way every time we pray.
Prayer is our conversation with God about things which are important to us. Of course, we are to pray all of the time about everything. It is all important to God, and it should be important to us, too. When we approach the Lord, we should be ready to communicate what we desire. Prayer is pouring out our heart to God. We can and should tell Him how we feel and what we want. However, we must not every stop there. We must take the final step Jesus showed us. We must sincerely tell the Lord, "Not what I want." Then, we should ask Him, "What do You want?" The reason for this is that His will is better for us than anything we could ask or even think. He loves us more than we love ourselves, and He only allows things to happen to us, as believers, to make us stronger and more like Jesus. Therefore, even if He calls on us to suffer, it is good for us and for others. I pray we all will sincerely apply this truth in our prayers, and watch to see the blessings from God.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read Mark 15-15 and Luke 1-2.