A batch of rolls done and on the rise, I started working on a batch of French bread. I was praying for friends and loved ones to be saved, healed, and delivered.
Not just praying but giving directions, “God, get my brother THAT job and make the loan on THAT house come through for my friend”. I was deep in prayer while I was vigorously kneading that French bread!
Mid-prayer, God spoke to me, “What would you think if the roll dough said, “I think you should use a lighter hand to knead that French bread so the dough will be more tender”.
Stunned, I told God, “French bread has to be kneaded with a heavy hand, obviously the rolls have no idea what I’m doing.” God replied, “Even so.” I stopped kneading, ‘what?????’
Then, I realized, it wasn’t up to me to tell God HOW to do things; it was my place to simply give the ‘life dough’ of those I love to Him and let him “knead” as He wills. My job ended at bringing their name before Him daily and praying that they be yielded to the Master’s hand.
HE would decide what should be done to lead them, bend them or even break them. The circumstances and trials of their life were between Him and THEM. A plan for their individual lives, as well as the lives of others through them, had been made in full knowledge of the ‘dough’ He was working with.
Powerful prayer doesn’t mean giving God detailed instructions about His work in the lives of others. God often uses diversity as a tool and as a witness. Prayer is important; every prayer IS answered, in God’s perfect timing and plan.
Daily, I continue to bring those I love to the Lord and—just leave them there. As I pray in the Spirit, with no opinion given, I rest in knowing that God knows exactly what He’s doing.
Isaiah 45:11 This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands?”