Have you ever tried to tell God how to answer your prayers?

I have been guilty of this on many occasions. It usually starts with me telling God what I want Him to do and then I expect it to happen just as I had planned.

A couple of months ago I was wrestling with God looking for him to provide direction in matter that seemed big to me at the time. It was a one-way conversation. I told God what I wanted Him to do. But God was quiet. I set out the terms and conditions and I asked Him for an answer, but still God was silent. In frustration, I got cranky with God and gave Him an ultimatum, then went for a walk. I had managed to walk for about 10mins when my wife’s phone rang. It was an answer to my prayer, but God knew I wasn’t ready to listen, so He answered me by speaking through my wife.  God seldom answers us the way that we expect.

On another occasion just a few weeks ago, I was struggling to decide where my family and I could best serve God. Do we stay in financial comfort with a secure Job that is fulfilling, or do I follow where God was leading which could have significant financial ramifications? It was starting to stress me out and I was wrestling with God over the decision. Even though I knew from previous experience that God leads the way, my human side said it was too much for God! I knew that God always provides and goes with us on the Journey if we let Him, but it is sometimes hard to trust Him.

That morning, I was paying some bills using my phone when I found that I had some extra money in my account. I was taken back as I counted the zeros. I was in complete disbelief as I counted a 6-figure sum of money in my bank account. I rang my wife to confirm how much money was in my account. $100,002.77 was staring at me on my phone screen. Now some of this money was mine, the $2.77, but the rest had been deposited in my account by a random person.

I heard God speak loud and clear, “Do not worry about anything but in everything trust Me and I will show you the way.”

(By the way, I contacted the bank and the money was taken back out of my bank account)

I was reminded again that God is in control of everything. I just need to trust in Him, and He will direct my path.

Next year, my family and I are moving to Queensland, we are trusting in God in the next steps in our journey. Thank you, parents, students, and staff, for a memorable 3 years at Prescott Primary Northern. I have been so blessed to get to know many of you and I will cherish the memories I have made.

May I remind you to put your trust in God and always bring Him on your journey. Journeying with Jesus is so much better than facing the journey alone. He will direct your path if you be patient and let Him work.

Have a great week, and thank you again,

Chaplain Phil