Yielding Our Whims for God’s Plans

I’ve heard sermons and read books about prayer. I’ve taught workshops about it. I’ve even led prayer groups. And still I’m learning.

This year, I believe, God wants to take me deeper into this topic, teaching and growing me in my understanding of what prayer is and how it connects my heart with His.

Last week I spent several days at a wellness retreat, learning about how to maintain physical and spiritual well-being in the midst of a crazy-busy lifestyle. Each day’s schedule included time in a small group of women who do what I do—write, speak, and travel for ministry purposes. My group’s leader was Jennifer Kennedy Dean—a woman I’ve grown to love and respect because of her deep love for Jesus.

Jennifer’s written a book titled Prayer Fatigue: 10 Ways to Revive Your Prayer Life. It’s a goodie. This morning I read these words:

“We have whims. God has plans. If there were some kind of code we could crack that would enable us to get God to follow our directions, what kind of mess would we make? We would make all our plans based on what seems best to us with our limited view and finite understanding. Our small and selfish goals would prove to be unfulfilling. We would be left empty. Pacified for the moment, but never satisfied for the long term.” (pg. 49,50)

Boy, can I relate! I’m so grateful that God, in His great wisdom, answers my prayers based on the bigger picture. I think I know what I need, but my view is utterly finite compared to God’s infinite understanding of my true needs. He who knows the end from the beginning does what is good and right all the time. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’” (Isaiah 46:10).

God’s plans far outweigh our whims. Let’s bring our burdens and desires to Him with open hands. Let’s choose to trust that in His wisdom and love, He will answer in ways that we may not understand at the time, but that are always best in the long run. Let’s yield our whims to God’s plans and rest in His care.

Will you do that with me?