The Demanding Mother

                Most of us have had the through that if I just had a bit more money, I would feel secure about our future or that if I could just get into a different career, I wouldn’t mind going to work every day. If my kids were just a bit older, I would have the freedom to do what I wanted to today. If we owned our own house, life would be so much happier. If we drove different cars, I would not be afraid of breaking down. No matter what your “one thing” is, I think it is safe to say that we have all had a goal that we think will make our lives complete as soon as we achieve it and often we ask God for these things.

                In Matthew 20, the mother of the disciples James and John approached Jesus and asked if her sons could sit at Jesus’ right and left in His kingdom. Before you think she was crazy, understand that a lot of the Jews in Jesus’ time thought that Jesus was going to become king of Israel, not King of Heaven. Also, my husband is a teacher and can testify that mothers often make oddly bold request on behalf of their children (It is just a mom thing we all seem to do at some point!). Jesus explains to the woman that she does not understand what she is asking and then He ask James and John, “Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” He had just predicted His death and was asking if the brothers were willing to be crucified for the good of God’s Kingdom. They did not seem to understand Him because they both said, “We are able.”  Jesus told them they would have to go through the same death he would but that they could not sit at his right and left in Heaven because that was not for Him to decide.

                I think we often ask God for the one thing we need to be happy and He tells us, “You don’t know what you are asking.” If he has not given me a different car/home/life/career/bank statement then there must be a reason. I sometimes wonder why I seem so afraid to be happy with what I have. I continue to buy into the lie that I would feel secure if we had more things. No matter how much money I have, it can all be taken away, but if I trust the Lord I know He will always provide what I need. No matter what kind of car I drive, it could break down tomorrow, but if I trust the Lord I know He will always take me where I need to go. No matter how many things I have, I cannot buy happiness or security, but God offers these things to me freely.

                I want to make an effort not to ask God for things that I think will provide me with happiness or security. It must be insulting for me to ask God for things that I trust more than Him to give me security. How many times have I asked the Lord for something and He answered me in a way that I did not expect? Is it because I should not have been asking for that in the first place?

                God, please help me to humble myself and to be satisfied with what you have given me. Please help me be secure in what you promise to provide and not ask for things that you have kept from me at this stage in my life. I trust you to give me all that I need when I need it. Amen.