By Jacqui – One of God’s Intercessors
Are you tying God’s hands? Am I? Have we become so intent on praying specifically that we’re missing out on the multitude of blessings the Lord would bring?
I read a devotional by Lettie Cowman recently. She shares a story about two men who plant a tree. The first man prays step by step for what he wants God to do for the tree. Each time the Lord answers the man’s prayers just as he prayed. Then, the tree dies!
The second man prays as he plants his tree. But his prayer is different than that of the first man. He simply prays for the Lord to give the little tree all that God knows it will need. “He who made it knows better than a man like me what it needs”, he tells his friend. This man’s tree is thriving!
Are you, perhaps, tying not only God’s hands, but the intercessor’s hands who is praying for you? It’s not uncommon at all to receive prayer requests that are highly detailed telling me exactly what the person would like for God to do for them. Some even include when they would like it to be done.
God answers the prayers prayed and the person often receives what they hoped for in prayer. Yet, like the man who planted the tree that died; they are left wanting in the results. I wonder if God had something much better for them in mind.
While it’s true that we are to pray clearly so that we may recognize the answers to our prayers when they come, we must use caution that we don’t step over the line from a direct prayer request to trying to control the creator!
I’m reminded today of Ephesians 3:20-21. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Let’s face it, friend. We cannot begin to imagine all that God can do in prayer. Is it time to stop tying his hands? Is it time to pray and ask God to provide what HE knows we need? Then, step back and trust him for what comes. May you soon find yourself thriving from what wants to do in your life.