Ever notice how we try to tell God how things should go? Oh, we usually do it in very spiritual and respectful ways, but we do do it.

Here’s an example. “Oh God, in Jesus’ name we ask that you heal Aunt Bertha.” “Oh God, please give that job I interviewed for. I know I am just perfect for that position.”

You get the idea.

In chapter 21 today, we read that the prophet Agabus told Paul that he would be mistreated by the Jews in Jerusalem. So the people with Paul begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Paul said, What are you doing, crying like this and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die there for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

So our text says in verse 14, “We could not convince him, so we gave up and said, “May the Lord’s will be done.”

My friend, asking for the Lord’s will to be done should be our starting point, not the final resort. We should say, “Oh God, have your way with Aunt Bertha. We know you love her infinitely more than we do, and we just want her to be completely in your hands. If it is your will to heal her body, we will praise you and give you the glory. But if healing is not your will for her, help us to accept your will, and help us to praise you and give you the glory anyway.”

You do know that God chooses not to heal everyone that asks, right? Paul even asked for a healing, but he was not healed. God cannot…will not be put into a box. It’s best for us if we don’t try to do that, and just lift up our petitions to Him and then stand back to see what He’ll do for us and for His glory.

His ideas are always better than ours. And sometimes, I’ll admit, it takes a very long time to understand why He answers our prayers the way He does.

The key is learning to trust Him implicitly, with no reservations. I’ve discovered in my life that He is worthy of my trust, and He is always faithful.

Your thoughts?