Nearly 11 months post-move, I’m still enjoying the rediscovery of books that were in storage. After unpacking the final box, the titles are now neatly aligned on my bookshelves.
Another bin in the same moving pile contained prayer journals.
Paging through, I smiled at how God responded positively to more than I could have asked. On the flip side, the oldest pages revealed prayer answers that remain delayed or have received a hard “no”.
When I read a few of the same entries written over and over, embarrassing heat rose in my cheeks.
Who keeps complaining about and requesting the same things?
There is a difference between complaining and crying out to God. The notes confirmed I was doing both.
If I consistently asked, that put me in the same company as the persistent widow who pursued the unjust judge: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1. That’s not bad company.
Complaining on the other hand: Do everything without complaining… Phil 2:14
One of my written repeats was for a few changed hearts.
Back then, I confused enduring people with praying for and encouraging them – thus, the complaining entries.
If I just did more, they would come around…
There was a combination of a naïve and determined young woman writing those words many years ago. My ‘then’ mentality: if change didn’t happen exactly as I prayed and within a reasonable amount of time, I was a failure.
Despite the spiritual immaturity reflected in the oldest journals, there was deep sincerity. The misconception was believing I was responsible for changed hearts.
Jesus saves. Not me. I’m so grateful the Savior position is His and not mine.
Above image: Source (trustGodapparel)
Featured image: Mine. Family5power.com
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