discussions vs. demands

When you want something from God...like a prayer answered...how are you talking to him about it?

Are you having a discussion with him or demanding him?

I believe that we make demands more than we should. Have you ever seen Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Do you remember who Violet Beauregarde was? The little stuck up girl who demanded to get the things that she wanted. When I think of someone demanding in an improper way, that is who I think of. Let's never have that attitude when we approach God about something.

I do think there is a positive connotation to a demand when we ask God for something. What I mean is when we cry out to God out of desperation. When there is a sick relative, or someone close to you, and we want that person healed. We cry out to God to heal him. Not demand.

Now think about a discussion. Having discussions just makes things easier.

Imagine you're in a position of power. Someone approaches you...they demand you to give them what they want. They're doing everything in their power to make it known how much they need your help. They're so persistent in your demands that you hardly have time to think...you become overwhelmed and don't end up giving in to what that person wants.

I bet that might be how God feels sometimes when we demand him for things rather than having a discussion with him.

Now imagine you're in a position of power again. Someone approaches you...they ask to have a discussion with you about some of the things they are feeling and the things they want. While talking to you, they make it clear that they want whatever you want for them.  You feel affection for them because of their peace, how they approached you, and how they wanted what you wanted for them. You're more willing to listen because they were willing to have a discussion rather than making demands.

Which person are you? Which person do you want to be?

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hards us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15)

That scripture emphasizes God's will, not our will.

When we communicate with God, we have to continue to discuss with him what he wants for us...not what we want.

If we align our prayers to his will, he will listen; and we can be certain the if he listens, he will give us a definite answer.

My challenge, please continue to have discussions with God. He will listen. The more we align our prayers to his will, the more we will receive definite answers.