My back hurts. A lot. It has hurt pretty much everyday for over a year. At least I'm consistent, right? Why am I telling you this? Well, once again, I have forgotten to pray for myself. I pray for others with no problem, but I tend to forget to pray for myself. I'm not sure why that is, but I guess that is an issue to ponder later...Tonight Lizard and I were talking about prayers. She has been praying faithfully for something everyday for several weeks. The director of her daycare jokingly told her that she would get paid for helping in the toddler room when it snowed on the 4th of July. She started praying for snow on the 4th of July multiple times a day ever since then. Tonight I decided to talk to her about praying expectantly and praying specifically and what that will do with her prayer life.
I tried to explain that when we pray, we need to do it expecting God to move on our behalf. We have to expect him to answer in a big way. I also went on to explain that we should be specific in our prayers. I told her that she shouldn't limit God, but that she should explain specifically what she wanted (i.e., mention that you want it to snow on the 4th of July this year in the DFW metroplex). Then I told her to do all that she could do about the situation, but leave the rest in God's hands.
We talked about how there is literally NOTHING she can do about the snow request. She can pray with tremendous faith, expecting God to act on that specific request, but she can't actually make it snow (even though somebody told her that if she put a whole lot of Wendy's frosty desserts outside on the 4th it might snow chocolate frostys). We talked about how she has to wait to see how God will answer - not if - but how. See that distinction? He will answer - of that I'm sure. How will he answer? Not sure, but I think I have an idea since the forecast calls for 102 that day. The fact remains, even if He says no, He does answer.
So back to my back issue. Why haven't I been praying expectantly and specifically over this? Not sure. I believe 100% what I told my daughter. Why is it so hard to practice what I preach? Hhhmmm...I guess because I'm human. Regardless, it was a good (and convicting) reminder that I need to place it ALL in God's hands - even my arthritic and aching back. Hopefully I won't have to wait until it snows on the 4th of July for Him to answer my prayer the way I expect for Him to answer it.
2 remarks:
I know all back problems are not the same, BUT I know that I had real bad pain at one point in my life and I could not afford to simply go out and buy a new bed. So Shirley suggested that I try sleeping on the floor on a "mat." Well, over three years of no serious back pain later, I bought a new bed, got off the floor, and am enjoying great sleep (not on the floor).
One thing's for sure, if it is the bed, you will know in just a few days of sleeping on the floor. If that's not it, look elsewhere.
Prayer is excellent for us, but so is using our brain. Best of all worlds, do both.
Praying for you too!
Post a Comment