Have You Ever Done A Prayer Take-Back?

God gives us everything we need and, often, everything we ask for. It just might not come in the way we think it will come in. 

When we pray for strength, God brings situations into our life that will make us stronger. 

When we pray for patience, God brings us situations that grow our patience. 

When we pray for things, God often brings in people or helpers that bring those things in exchange for helping them. 

You get it. 

So many years ago, when I was going through one of the darkest nights of my soul after my mom and brother died, while raising two baby girls and trying to be all things to all people because I hadn’t learned how to be all things to myself yet, I broke. I just couldn’t take life anymore. For anyone who has read Broken Open, this was my Phoenix moment. (If you’re going through some tough stuff, I recommend you read It too.) 

I laid in bed with tears melting into my pillowcase as they cascaded down my face. I had no energy left for anyone. I barely had enough energy for this deep conversation I was having with God.  But at this point, I most definitely had “some words” for Him. 

“God, show me the way. Tell me what to do. How do I get through tomorrow?”

And then I mindlessly murmured, 

“Oh God, give me strength.”

Remembering everything I mentioned earlier, I literally sat straight up in my bed and said, 

“No, no, no!  I don’t need anymore strength! I don’t need to be any stronger! I don’t need anything else to make me strong. I take that prayer back!” 

This prayer take back still makes me laugh today.

One, I think the idea of a prayer take back is hilarious. Ever so sweetly thinking that my God would be so matter of fact that He would deliver more than I could handle. 

Two, I look at the younger version of myself who didn’t know then how much God just matches our true heart when we pray. 

We don’t even need words to pray. 

God, who or whatever your God is for you, knows your heart and wants the best for you. Always. 

Life is always blessing us, even when those blessings are disguised as challenges. 

When we begin to view life this way, we witness the blessings and the love God showers down upon us and we bring in more of what we focus on. 

God matches our hearts and sure does deliver. 

So the next time you pray for strength or patience or help, you can trust and know the blessings to follow will deliver strength in an incredible, wonderful and most blessed way.

There will be no need for a take back. 

Have a wonderful week!  

Much love,
Erin