I think we sometimes mistake certain verses to mean, God will wave his wand and give us whatever we need. If our “pumpkin” is not to our liking, then we hit our knees praying for the magic wand of God to change it. However, God is not our fairy godmother. His decisions are based on more then our wants.
Philippians 4:19 KJV: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
“There you go! See!” you say.
Just remember, God says, “needs,” not wants!
My twelve year old and nine year old boys always “need” a new PSP or Nintendo DS game. It is completely different when the need some new pants because they have outgrown their others.
We only see that when we look from a parent perspective. That is the way God looks at us.
I will admit that I have wanted God to wave his magic wand.
My husband and I have struggled for a long time with financial difficulty. At one point we owed $350 in NSF (non-sufficient fund) fees. I was so angry with God. Why he wasn’t supplying our need?
Soon, I changed my prayer and just asked God to help us make it. They took $100 charges off. I was excited and upset, but I had to accept God’s will. The reality of it is it was my fault that I made the mistake. It was poor planning on our part. I have to believe that God felt that was what was best for us. That is hard to accept, but God really does have our best interest at heart.
Another verse we misunderstand on God being our fairy godmother is Matthew 17:1l NIV: If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
The best way to explain this is using the example hinted above in this scripture.
As parents we want to give good gifts to our children (emphasis on “good”). If my sons or daughters want candy or caffeine, we really have to monitor it. If it is 8:00 at night, it isn’t a good idea. However, if they ask for apples, we happily hand them over.
We make the assumption that the gift we are asking God for is good, but he again has our best interest at heart. What we may be asking for is not bad, but it is not what is best for us.
I think the best way to pray these prayers is by using God’s prayer just before he went to the cross.
Matthew 11:42: He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
He prayed this prayer three times, but the answer was no. That tells me that Jesus completely understands our frustrations when we pray, and it is answered no. Even Jesus, had to believe that God sees the big picture.
The more and more I pray about something I’m desperate about, the more I add, your will be done. Because I do not know about the future, and he does, it only makes sense that I pray that way. Otherwise I am praying out of ignorance.
A fairy godmother gives you your wants and desires, but God gives you what is best for you.
