I had coffee with a friend and shared some prayer points David and I have that seem to get no answer. We both only want what God wants for us, and we have been praying about His will and for direction in some areas of life.
My friend reminded me that we both have to surrender our wills, our agendas, and our preferences in order to really hear from the the Holy Spirit.
I know that in my mind, I thought I had fully surrendered, but I didn't realize how much I was letting my preferences get in the way of my prayers. I like to think I live surrendered, but there is something powerful about saying, "Okay, I am going to pray about this and not have any feelings or preconceived notions of how God is going to answer. I am pushing my feelings and opinions to the side, because my thoughts are not your thoughts, Jesus."
It's so easy to say we want God's will but to have our own version of what we want that to look like, so we plead our case with some bias. Or maybe we don't plead our case, but in our minds, we know what's comfortable and what outcome we would like if we could have our way.
But having our will and way doesn't lead to us walking in the fullness of God.
So today, with a clean slate of a brain, I am taking my requests to God and attempting to get me out of the way.
I thought this might encourage someone else who is seeking direction but maybe you are allowing your preferences to be louder than the voice of God. And the first step is admitting it.
"Lord, get me out of the way. Have your way and your will in my life. Help me to place my agendas, preferences, and opinions to the side. Guide me and direct me in your ways. And, Father, thank you for spirit filled and spirit led friends who love me and speak truth into my life."
