Today’s blog post examines the importance of aligning our prayers with God’s will when we seek specific outcomes or desires. Let’s start with a daily devotion from Watchman Nee and then explore examples of how to understand God’s will in our lives.
And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. 1 John 5.14.
Watchman Nee comments on this scripture by saying,
Whenever a believer is in want, he should first inquire: Will such lack affect God? Does He want me to be in need? Or is it His will to supply my needs? When you see that God’s will is to provide your needs, you can then ask Him to fulfill His will by delivering what you need. Having come to know His will, you should now pray according to the will of God which you know. You pray that He will fulfill His will. The question is now no longer whether your need is met but whether God’s will is done. Though your prayer today is not much different from that of the past, nonetheless what you now look for is that the Lord’s will in this particular personal matter of yours may be done and not that your own need may be supplied.
Knowing God’s Will
Discerning God’s will in meeting a specific need can feel challenging, but a few ways might help you gain clarity.
Prayer and Seeking Guidance:
One of the most important steps is spending time in prayer and asking God for wisdom. In James 1:5, we’re reminded, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Sincere prayer can help open our hearts to God’s leading and provide peace as we seek clarity on His will.
Reading Scripture:
Scripture offers many examples of God’s provision and guidance on what He desires for us. It can be helpful to reflect on passages that speak about God’s care, such as Philippians 4:19, which says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” By aligning our requests with biblical principles, we can gain insight into God’s will for our needs.
Evaluating the Need:
Sometimes, it helps to look at the need objectively and ask whether it aligns with God’s character and purpose for our lives. Is it something that fosters growth, service, and love for others? Does it lead to greater reliance on God? Needs that bring us closer to Him or equip us to serve others often resonate with His will.
Seeking Wise Counsel:
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Sometimes, talking with trusted mentors, pastors, or friends in faith can provide insight. God often uses others to help us see things from a fresh perspective. Aligning our prayers with God’s will is easier when we seek the guidance of trusted friends and family.
Observing the Circumstances:
While it’s not always a definitive guide, sometimes we can observe God’s will in how circumstances unfold. He can meet a need through a surprising opportunity or in ways that demonstrate His timing. Pay attention to open and closed doors, and be flexible as you trust that God may answer in unexpected ways.
Trusting in God’s Timing:
Sometimes, we may not receive an immediate answer. This situation doesn’t mean God is ignoring our needs; it could be that He’s working behind the scenes or teaching patience and trust in Him. Waiting on the Lord is also an important part of understanding His will, as His timing may differ from ours (Psalm 27:14).
Ultimately, trusting in God’s faithfulness and provision, while remaining open to how He may answer, can help bring peace and direction as we seek to know His will.
When God Does Not Supply Our Needs
Sometimes, it may not be God’s will to supply a particular need or request, even if we feel it’s essential or believe it would improve our lives. Aligning our prayers with God’s will means trusting that these outcomes are for our ultimate good, even when they don’t seem that way. Here are a few examples that can illustrate why this might be the case:
When the Need Would Lead Us Away from God:
Sometimes, a desire we consider a need might distract us from our relationship with God. For instance, a person might pray for a specific job or financial success, believing it will solve their problems. However, if achieving that success would lead them to prioritize wealth or career over faith, it may be out of alignment with God’s will. Jesus cautioned about the difficulty for a wealthy person to remain focused on God (Matthew 19:23-24).
When the Need May Harm Our Spiritual Growth:
God’s will for us often includes spiritual growth and character development, which can sometimes come through facing challenges. We might pray for immediate relief from a difficult situation or suffering, but God might withhold that relief to allow us to build resilience, patience, or empathy. As Paul writes, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
When It Conflicts with God’s Greater Plan:
There are times when our personal needs may conflict with a greater purpose God has in mind. For instance, Paul repeatedly asked God to remove his “thorn in the flesh,” a particular difficulty or ailment he faced. However, God responded that His grace was sufficient and that Paul’s weakness enabled God’s power to be perfected (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). God allowed Paul to carry this burden as a way to keep him humble and reliant on His strength, which was ultimately part of God’s plan for Paul’s ministry.
When It’s Rooted in Selfish or Unhealthy Desires:
There are times we may ask for things out of motives that aren’t entirely healthy. James 4:3 speaks to this: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Knowing our hearts, God may choose not to provide something if it stems from pride, envy, or purely personal ambition, especially if it doesn’t lead us toward greater love for Him or others.
When the Timing Isn’t Right:
Sometimes, God may delay meeting a need, not because it’s wrong to ask but because the timing doesn’t align with His plan. For example, we might feel the need for a particular relationship, opportunity, or outcome, but God may know that it’s not the right season. He may allow us to wait as He prepares us—or the circumstances—to receive what we’re asking for later. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
When It’s a Test of Faith:
In some cases, God may withhold meeting a need to test or strengthen our faith. Just as God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, there are times when He may allow us to go through seasons of need to refine our trust in Him. God’s testing isn’t meant to harm us but to deepen our faith and reliance on Him (James 1:2-3).
In these instances, God’s refusal or delay doesn’t mean He’s ignoring our needs or isn’t concerned. Instead, He may have a greater purpose, and as we draw closer to Him, we may start to see His reasons more clearly. Trusting His wisdom, even when our needs are unmet, allows us to rest in His goodness and timing.
When A Young Person Dies
It’s incredibly difficult and deeply painful when a young person we love passes away despite fervent prayers for their healing. These situations can be some of the most challenging tests of faith. At times like these, aligning our prayers with God’s will is challenging. While the reasons may remain mysterious, here are a few perspectives that may offer comfort and insight into why God might not answer our prayers for healing as we hope:
God’s Greater Purpose Beyond Our Understanding:
Scripture teaches that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). While we may see only the immediate loss, God sees the full picture, including purposes we may not understand in this life. It could be that a young person’s life and faith impact others in ways that continue even after they’re gone, touching lives and prompting others to seek God, often in ways we may never fully see.
The Reality of a Fallen World:
We live in a world marked by sin and suffering, where illness and death are tragic realities. While God is all-powerful, He also allows the natural order, including human mortality and the effects of disease. Jesus himself acknowledged the brokenness of our world, saying, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Though God can heal, He may not intervene in every situation, allowing the effects of our broken world to unfold.
God’s Eternal Perspective:
While we see life on earth as paramount, God sees our time here as temporary and views each of us through the lens of eternity. From an eternal perspective, God may choose to bring someone to Himself, granting them ultimate healing in His presence rather than the temporary healing of this life. As hard as it is for those left behind, the Bible teaches that for a believer, death is not the end but rather a passage into eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:8).
The Mystery of God’s Will:
At times, God’s will includes pain and suffering, and we may never fully understand why He allows certain events to happen. Job’s story is a profound example of someone who experienced unimaginable loss and pain without understanding why. Yet, in the end, Job came to a place of trust, acknowledging that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding (Job 42:1-6). In these moments, we may find ourselves, like Job, invited to trust God’s wisdom even when His reasons are unclear.
God’s Compassion in Our Suffering:
God is not indifferent to our grief. When Jesus saw the grief of Mary and Martha at Lazarus’s death, He was deeply moved and wept (John 11:35). God grieves with us, and through His Spirit, He provides comfort and presence in our suffering. Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Though we may not receive the answer we desire, we can lean on God for comfort, knowing He shares in our pain.
Trusting in God’s Redemptive Power:
God has a profound way of redeeming tragedy and bringing good from it, even though it may not be evident immediately. Romans 8:28 says, ” God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even in the sorrow of losing a loved one, God can bring about healing, growth, and purpose that carry forward their legacy and touch others in unexpected ways.
A Calling to Draw Closer to God:
Times of intense suffering can bring us closer to God, even when we don’t receive the answers we seek. When we reach the end of our own strength, we can experience a deeper reliance on God. While this doesn’t make the pain of loss any easier, it can be a source of strength and peace that only God can provide. The Psalms are full of cries of anguish and grief, yet the psalmists often end with a declaration of trust in God’s faithfulness and goodness.
The death of a young loved one is a profound and heartrending loss, and sometimes, no explanation will fully satisfy the pain. It’s natural to question and to grieve, and God welcomes our honest expressions of sorrow, doubt, and confusion. In these moments, we can hold onto the promise that God is with us, that He sees our pain, and that His love remains constant. In eternity, God assures us that He “will wipe every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 21:4), and on that day, we may understand more fully what we cannot comprehend now. At times like these, aligning our prayers with God’s will is difficult. Faith is most tested when outcomes are painful.
Praying For Our Children
When parents desire specific achievements for their children, such as winning a tournament or gaining admission to a particular college, it can be an excellent opportunity to pray in ways that align with God’s will for their children’s lives. Here are some approaches for parents to pray with a heart that seeks God’s best, trusting in His wisdom and purpose for their children:
Pray for God’s Guidance and Wisdom:
Instead of focusing solely on the desired outcome, parents can pray that their children receive God’s guidance and wisdom in the process. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Parents can ask God to direct their children’s steps and help them make wise choices that honor Him, no matter the result.
Pray for Character Development:
God often uses goals, challenges, and even disappointments to build character in young people. Parents can pray for traits like perseverance, resilience, humility, and faith to develop in their children. This kind of prayer prioritizes their long-term growth and integrity over short-term success. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Pray for Openness to God’s Plan:
It’s natural for parents to have hopes and dreams for their children, but God’s plan might look different—and better—than they imagine. Praying for their children to be open to God’s will, whatever it may be, invites God’s guidance and provision into their lives. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), a powerful reminder to seek God’s will over our desires.
Pray for Peace and Trust in God’s Timing:
Achievements like winning a tournament or gaining admission to a top college can feel urgent, but God’s timing may be different. Parents can pray for patience and peace as they wait and for trust that God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with their immediate hopes. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Pray for Contentment and Gratitude:
Praying for contentment can help parents and children focus on what God has already provided and appreciate the journey. Contentment allows children to approach achievements with a sense of joy and gratitude, regardless of the outcome, fostering an attitude that trusts God in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13).
Pray for a Strong Relationship with God:
Ultimately, the most valuable outcome for any child is a strong, lasting relationship with God. Parents can pray that their children seek God first, finding their worth and purpose in Him rather than in achievements. This prayer aligns with Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Pray for Joy and Enjoyment in the Process:
Praying that children experience joy and fulfillment in their pursuits, regardless of the result, can encourage them to find purpose beyond winning or achieving. Asking God to help them enjoy the journey and learn from the experience reinforces that God values the person they are becoming, not just the outcome.By focusing on these deeper requests, parents can rest assured that their prayers support their children’s growth in faith and character, trusting that God will work out the best path for them. In this way, they can let go of specific outcomes, knowing they have placed their children in God’s loving, wise hands.
Aligning Our Prayers With God’s Will
One key to a successful, joyful life is aligning our prayers with God’s will. When we do, we surrender control of our lives to the Creator of the universe—a good choice given that He knows everything and we know nothing. We should ask ourselves daily, “Why do I think I know what’s best for myself and my family?” The answer is that it is the nature of our fallen world, as well as the intention of the devil, to make us think that we know as much as God. Remember what he told Eve in the Garden: “For God knows that when you eat of it (the apple) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
While the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil did give us awareness and judgment, it did not empower us to be like God. This statement was Satan’s lie, and we fell for it. Sadly, we still fall for this lie every day that we don’t defer to God’s will. The antidote is aligning our prayers with God’s will. I hope the examples in today’s blog post help you understand this complicated issue better. I need all the help I can get to discern God’s will.
About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. Our practice is guided by a belief in compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life, creating a warm and inclusive environment where healing and holistic wellness are our top priorities. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and top-tier medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.
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