Pressuring God

O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done. – Matthew 26:42

Under General George Patton’s command in World War II, the Third Army had been driving back the Nazis until fog and rain forced the troops to stop. Patton telephoned a chaplain to ask, "Do you have a good prayer for weather?" Immediately the chaplain complied with the general’s request. He wrote a prayer, which Patton ordered to be printed and distributed to the 250,000 soldiers under his command, directing them to pray for clear weather.

The Scriptures teach us that God wants us to bring our requests to Him, and we can be confident that He cares and will answer (Philippians 4:6; 1 John 5:14-15). But He is never obligated to answer in the way we want or just because many people are praying.

When the Son of God was agonizing in Gethsemane, He made his request in humble submission to His Father by saying, "Your will be done" (Matthew 26:42). That Gethsemane principle ought to govern all our praying.

The Father’s will is always infused with infinite love and wisdom. So instead of trying to pressure God because we think He’s obligated to us, we as trustful children gladly commit to Him our desires. Whatever He grants will prove in the end to be the best of blessings. – Vernon C. Grounds

So lift up your heart to the heavens;

There’s a loving and kind Father there

Who offers release and comfort and peace

In the silent communion of prayer. – Anon.

READ: Matthew 26:36-46

Instead of trying to twist God’s arm, put yourself in His hands.

The Bible in one year:

• Numbers 34-36

• Mark 9:30-50