You Can't Manipulate God

"You can't manipulate God. Don't ever think it. You can't pray in hopes of getting what you want. It's God's will that prevails."

~Mark of the Lion series Book II, Francine Rivers

This quote from a novel I am reading stuck with me this evening.

When people pray, most pray for what they want God to do for them. Honestly, why wouldn't we? We are taught to pray this way from an early age. We pray for things that will make us happy. More money, good looks, a lover, good health, success, etc.

And then we thank God for those things that make us happy.

I believe the purpose of life to not do what makes me happy but to please the Lord and follow His will. However, I never thought of praying for my will as manipulation - or even wrong.

The online dictionary definition of manipulation is "to adapt or change to suit one's purpose or advantage."

What this quote says is that by requesting God in the form of a holy prayer what we want in order to benefit ourselves and fulfill our own desires is a form of manipulation. It is wrong. God's will is always best. He knows what he is doing and has a purpose for every living thing. He is omnipotent. He is ruler of all.

So to dare to pray for our will and not the all-knowing, all-powerful, forgiving and gracious Prince of Peace's will be done, we are fools.

We may not understand why God allows for things to happen in life that may not make us happy or may be very difficult. Sometimes we do not see the bigger picture. Why do some make more money when I do not? Why is that woman blessed with all "the right" curves on her body and not me? Why did my home get hit by a tornado and my neighbors did not? 

Why did God allow me to get Crohn's disease? Why do I have to deal with health issues as such a young age? 

Why? I do not know. All I know and have to trust in is that for now I have Crohn's disease, because it is God's will. He is and will continue to use this disease that comes from a sinful world for good. If he can use my pain to bring others to Him, then please bring on the pain.

What's funny to me is that when Satan intends to hurt us, bring us down or weaken us, God can always use the bad and turn it around for good. You may not see it at first, but He will if you let Him.

My new prayer is:

God, I allow you to work in my life whatever way you choose. If you need to use Crohn's disease or some other ailment in my life to bless others, then please do so. I pray that you will give me the strength to be used by you and to wake up each morning praising you for what you are doing in my life - whether is makes me feel happy or not. I also ask that you will help me to recognize when I am praying for what I want solely for my own benefit. Your will be done, not mine.

Amen