A Very Frightening Prayer

In this generation of prosperity preaching and claiming victories that would seem to make our lives easier in ten simple steps, where is the humbleness? Where is the sacrifice? Wouldn't working harder for His Glory be more worthy than putting a quarter in for a quick blessing or tangible reward?

Many Christians chant, "I'm believing for_____________" and expect God to simply answer to that beck and call. Does it really work that way?

My own spiritual journey...well stop! Before I can go into that, maybe I should define (in my understanding,) what that actually means. "Spirit" in essence, speaks to something "in the air;" something not seen, something felt as it sweeps past or over us...sometimes gentle, but sometimes very forceful to cause us to be "moved." And then we somehow in our deepest conscience begin to understand that (when have been moved,) we have a need to pursue this Spirit. We want to touch it, to hold it, to embrace it. We have questions. The answers only come when we succumb to surrender and agree to becoming one with it...in spirit. We learn to dance together.

And thus, our journey begins. We work together to fulfill His purposes, not always in paths, routes, intents, plans, or desires that we would otherwise have chosen or dreamed of. We sometimes balk and hesitate or refuse.

But I never wanted to end up in the belly of a whale, like Jonah did for refusing God. But I did. I did fail to heed God's directions and it did lead me to fall into a metaphorical pit like the one that Joseph's brothers cast him in. And, like Jonah and Joseph, God eventually placed me where He had originally intended me anyway...for my good and the good of others, just like in the case of God giving grace and mercy to the people of Nineveh or to Joseph's brothers. Like them, I was humbled when I got "there."

I decided to ask God, "What is the hardest thing I can do for you today?" at that point in my journey. Believe me, He will let you know. It usually requires your ego to be taken down a few notches or to some degree of humbling yourself, and some sacrifice on our parts. But it will change "you" and make you a better person. And your blessings will come from that and not by some chant or mantra or a quarter.

I know these are some hard truths and not meant to belittle anyone's praying. But I encourage you to step deeper into your faith, trust Him, and ask that question. Are you ready?

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