Have you ever heard “don’t pray for patience?” Or, “be careful if you’re praying for patience.” Or trust. Or kindness. Or any number of virtues! When we pray for these character traits, God is faithful to give us plenty of tests and opportunities to develop these traits. God hears our prayers, and when we delight ourselves in Him and try to align our life with His will, He is faithful to answer our prayers.
1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer…”
John 14:14 – “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
I don’t know about you, but it is easier for me to see these tests and opportunities in my life than it is in the lives of my children. What if some of my children’s trials and life experiences are a result of my specific prayers for their sanctification and for God’s guidance in their lives? Not just general life experiences to teach them virtues and life skill — For example, one of my children has stayed with a job for quite a while, despite no raises and few accolades. But recently she received the raise and accolades she has been wanting because of her hard work. Or, another child learns to pace himself and not overwhelm himself in school by – overwhelming himself in school. 🙂 Or yet another child learns to heed the speed limit after getting a speeding ticket. These are general experiences that I think many people have and will (hopefully) learn and grow from.
To consider that some of these life experiences, trials, and tests may be a more specific result of my prayers for my kids puts this concept into a whole new light for me. To realize that (of course!) some of these experiences are also a result of what my children are praying for themselves brings me much peace.
I can plan my course in life. My children can each plan their course. But the Lord establishes [our] steps along the way.
Proverbs 16:9 – In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
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