Have you ever overheard two kids challenging each other on the playground? “Do it! I dare you! I DOUBLE DOG dare you!” Perhaps, that should be our challenge to each other as we pray?
As I was praying and giving God advice on how to handle everything I was praying about, of course, using scripture to ‘back up’ everything I was asking for; God spoke to me. He said, “Why don’t you just leave this with me and let ME work out the details?”
Startled, I was momentarily quiet. The Spirit reminded me that Hebrews 4:3 says that God’s plans were established from the creation of the world. Hebrews 4 continues about entering into God’s rest and how, in order to do that, we must cease from our labors (Hebrews 4:10).
If I don’t believe God allows EVERYTHING for a reason, then, I deny His sovereignty. If I don’t believe God is who He says and he does what He says He’ll do; I don’t believe He is God. Then, don’t I have more in common with an atheist than I do a believer?
When I listen to my prayers, I realize that I spend a lot of time telling God HOW to fix things. I tell Him what job my unemployed friends need, how to get the attention of my loved ones who are not serving Him, when and how to heal diseases and how to prosper and bless my friends. God is not a ‘man’ that He may need to change His mind after I tell Him all the facts.
HE has already, in full knowledge, decided what should be done to heal, lead, bend or even break attitudes and mold lives. This is NOT predestination. God plans the circumstances of our lives and he does know how it all ends. But, we are free to accept or reject that plan! We have full reign of our own destiny; yet God knows those that are His (II Timothy 2:19).
God often uses diversity as a tool; the very things I pray for God to remove may be part of His plan. God is sovereign; He does what He wants any way that He chooses to accomplish whatever His will is. He does not want or seek advice, instruction or information (Job Chapters 38-41). He simply asks that we bring our need to Him.
I dare you, I dare myself, to lay our requests before the Lord and leave them there. Make our requests known (Philippians 4:6) then trust Him. I double dog dare “us”.
Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. (New Living Translation)
Prayer: Lord, help me to bravely face the issues in life, knowing that your Word is my strong hold. Life’s problems are sometimes your “school” and I recognize that your sovereign will is first in my life. Keep me, guide me. Thank you. Amen
Hebrews 4:10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
II Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.