Friday, April 1, 2016

"The God Perspective - Wrong Praying"

"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure".  2 Corinthians 12:7

 We have already determined that there are two perspectives in which we can view a problem, a situation or a circumstance that takes place in our lives.  We can see it from the natural point of view-- fleshly, worldly, emotional and feelings oriented.  Or we can see it from a spiritual point of view-- the way God sees it.

When we see things from a "God perspective" it will change the way we pray.  Our prayers are less likely to be selfish, self-centered, focused around our own personal wants and desires, prayers for deliverance from unpleasant situations, prayers crying out for a life of ease and carefree existence and prayers for abundance and material blessings.  This does not mean that we should not pray for our needs but that will not be our central theme in prayer any longer.

Paul prayed to be delivered from the thorn in the flesh.  He prayed that this messenger of satan would leave him alone.  He prayed that the Lord would remove it.  Three times he prayed this, but God did not.  Paul's perspective of the situation was that this thorn was hindering him from doing his work for the kingdom.  It was in his way.  It was tormenting him.  He was being buffeted by it.  It was taking away his liberty and ability to do what he needed to do. 

God's perspective was different.  God's perspective was-- this thing is necessary, you need it, it will help you stay humble, it will keep you from being exalted in your own eyes because of the revelations I have given you.  Without it, pride can come in and destroy you.  God's perspective was-- I don't have to take it away because my grace and strength will give you all you need to endure it.  God's perspective was -- this is working together for your good, or else I would take it away.

Paul's prayer, and ours, when facing these situations, should be-- what is Your will in this?  what is Your plan through this thing?  is this allowed by You or is it an attack from the enemy?  do I depend on Your grace to carry me through it or take authority over it?  If Paul had sought the Lord for His perspective in this matter first, he would have saved himself a lot of time and agony praying against it and for its removal.

When we face unpleasant situations, we should pray first to find out how God views it.  That obstinate co-worker may be part of God's plan.  That overbearing friend may be working God's purpose out in your life.  Whatever keeps "buffeting" you may have a part in helping to fulfil God's plan in your life.  If so, don't pray for its removal, pray for God's grace to endure it. 

Have a great day.  When we start looking at our situation from God's perspective, it will change the way we pray.   

 
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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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