Growing up, I always figured I'd learn my life lessons by listening to stories from people who have been alive long enough to learn lessons themselves, and generous enough to pass them on. I guess I always just thought of wise as synonymous with old. From the time I began thinking about starting a blog, I've come to realize that putting such expectations on things could cause me to pass up an opportunity to learn something. Over the past couple of years, I've gained wisdom from unexpected places; from people my age, to Jr High kids, to observing my own two young children. It's amazing to step back and see how much I've learned by just being open to the idea that anyone can teach me something. Recently, I was taught a lesson by a group of Jr High boys.
I am an adult leader at The Edge, the youth group at my church. One of my responsibilities at The Edge is to co-lead a small group of Jr High boys. I don't know why, but even after a few years of helping at The Edge, I'm still shocked by Jr High boys...especially when you mix in Jr High girls. I wonder, often times out loud, what in the world these kids are thinking. A couple of weeks ago, at the end of small group, I was taking prayer requests. Prayer requests from a group of about 15 Jr High boys is always interesting. I usually get some serious ones, but I always get the silly ones. "Pray that my gum keeps it's flavor forever." "Pray that so and so stops talking all the time." "Pray that it snows a lot tonight." It was that last one that got me. It nearly started a riot, right there in the middle of the small group time. Half of them wanting me to pray for snow, the other half wanting me to pray for no snow. During the yelling, I was trying to ponder how I was going to handle this request. Should I just say no, that both requests were dumb? But what if one of the kids that wants or doesn't want snow wants that for a reason more than for a selfish, school related reason? I did what I thought best, and prayed for the weather, that everyone would be content with whatever it does, and that everyone would stay safe. I was ok with the prayer, proud that I had an idea, but I guess a little nervous because I felt like I had dodged a bullet.
I don't know why I continued to think about the request and prayer past that moment, but for some reason I did. I was kind of taken aback, and reminded that I was them once. I remember being their age, immature, and praying for things as silly as snow. I actually remembered the time I prayed for snow. I could take you to the place that I prayed for it. At my grandma's house, looking out the window with my brother. Thinking about those days, and then thinking about my small group prayer, I was surprised to realize that the prayer for contentment and safety was probably one of the best prayers I've ever said.
Starting young, and over my life, I've prayed the snow prayer thousands of times, but substituted the word "snow" for other things. A new job, more money, love, a house, better grades, to feel better, etc...the list goes on and on and on and on. I was 14 and praying about love. What did I know about love??? Why would God give me that, when I know nothing about it? Even though I wanted those things, there were times that God knew I wasn't ready for them. Looking back, I realize that I often try to limit God. I pray for something, and any alternative doesn't seem to be enough. A "no" from God isn't just part of a plan, it's a "no, you don't need that." There are times that what God has planned for us, might not be what we want. In fact, there are times that what God has for us is what we don't want.
I'm not trying to say that praying for specific things is wrong. I will still pray for specific things, because I think it's ok to ask. What I have changed though is my expectations. Over the past few weeks, I've tried to be more aware of what I expect from God when I pray. There have been a few very specific things that Amy and I have been praying about lately, and while these things are things I want, the most I expect is what God has already promised.
Romans 8: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
What else do we need? If you love God, know that He works in all things. That situation you're praying about? He's working in it. That desire you have? He's working on it. Whatever it is, know that God is working in it. It might not turn out like you expect or hope, but it's comforting to know that He's already there...working.
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