God Will Show Me What Needs Changing

"I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself." -General Robert E. Lee

            There have been many times in my life that a fantastic opportunity passed me by and I was left wondering, ‘Lord, why didn’t that work out?’ Perhaps it was an opportunity to strengthen my academic resume, or a chance to work or volunteer somewhere, or a new possible relationship: whatever the case, it didn’t go the way that I had wanted and I can’t help feeling as if I missed out on something great. In times such as these, it is easy for me to blame God or others for my misfortunes without taking the time to understand why the door was closed in the first place. In many instances, the Lord simply had a different plan for my life, and when looking back at it way down the road, it becomes clear why He had things go the way that they did. However, there are other times that it really would have been a great opportunity and I cannot understand why it worked out differently. It is in these times that I need to examine myself.

            Part of trusting my life to the Lord is trusting that He knows what is best for me. This means that God will not entrust me with opportunities or experiences that I’m not ready for. How then am I to prepare myself? Well, it could be that I need to spend more time in the Word, or more time talking with God. Sometimes I need to grow in some aspect of my faith; whether it be patience or humility or trust. “But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work.” (Romans 4:5) More often than naught however, there is some aspect of sin in my life that the Lord is telling me to address. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.” (Romans 12:2) Just as a driver would never hand the keys to their car over to someone who had totalled multiple cars, God will not bless our endeavors if we are first not right with Him. This is not to say that good things don’t ever happen to bad people, but in the end, it almost always works out terribly for them. God does not want me to have to endure learning from my mistakes, He would rather me get it right the first time. But pride and an unwillingness to change often gets in the way, and in those instances I am forced to reap what I sow. How lucky then am I that God looks out for me! Therefore, I should not become confused or upset when something doesn’t work out. Rather, I should examine the reasons why it didn’t, and if there is something in my life that I first need to change; then I should change it. God always knows what is best.

            Dear Lord, you know what is best for my life. You know why certain things go one way and others go another. I trust in you Lord, that you would guide my life in accordance to your will. I pray this day that if there is anything in my life that I need to change, any sinful desires or wicked ways, that you show them to me so that I do not miss out on the wonderful opportunities and blessings you have in store. Help me to be an example Lord for others of the way you call us all to live, and in your name I pray, Amen.