Job 1:21 (NKJV)
21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
When you pray, for what do you pray? Don’t you usually ask for what you want? Do we think God is some kind of cosmic vending machine that we can ask for whatever we want? John 14:13 (NKJV) says 13 And whatever you ask in My [Jesus] name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. What does it mean to ask “in My name”? It means to ask for things that are in God’s will. Ask for things that will glorify God.
Job had it right! No matter what, blessed be the name of the Lord! Whatever the outcome, God will do what is in your best interest even if you don’t like it. God gives what you need more than what you want. Since He knows the plan, He can choose more wisely.
What if we do not get that for which we prayed? Is God:
a) not capable of delivering or
b) uncaring or
c) not listening?
d) other
Certainly not! We have a finite capacity to understand in an infinite universe. How could we possibly know what the best outcome in any situation should be? Do you think the Creator of that universe knows what would be best? I do! Job went through the loss of health, family and fortune. He was sitting in torn clothes but still in worship of God. He did not sin against God amidst all this calamity! He showed incredible faith. What would you do if you lost everything?
Stay in faith believing that God will work all things for your good (Romans 8:28). This may be a test from God or it may be the work of the accuser trying to turn you against God. If you turn things around, I will give you praise Lord. And if it all remains the same, I am still going to give you praise.
“The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” The Lord’s name also means blessing for us as He longs to bless us in all things. Teach me your Word O Lord that I might know you better.
Lord, I thank You that You always have our best interest in mind. I thank You that You work all things for our good. Mostly, I thank You that You don’t give us what we want but that You always give us what we need! In Jesus name!