Whoa. That’s personal right off the bat. Sorry. Sort of.
I just finished reading Bob Goff’s newest book Dream Big. Listen, I didn’t love it like Everybody Always, but it’s still a great book. Filled with hilarious stories only Bob can tell, and genuine wisdom that makes you think.
The book talks about your dreams, and how you might achieve them practically. It’s what motivated me to be more consistent about posting, submitting to other blogs, and cutting distractions so I have more time to write.
All of this is great, right? What does that have to do with prayer, Stephanie? I’m so glad you asked!
In Chapter 1, Bob makes one of the most impactful statements of the book. At least, for me. Ok, he says someone else said it to him, but whatever. It’s in there.
“If God answered every one of your prayers, would it change anybody’s life except your own?”
Insert cringe face emoji here. I’ll admit, a lot of my prayers are about me.
Please let someone with some influence be interested in my new book.
Please let us flourish financially.
Please rid me of my migraines.
Please tell me what to write next.
Please give me patience.
And on and on.
But I’ll tell ya, I can pray through my own problems pretty quickly. Then what? You’re just done chatting with God? If You could just check all these boxes for me that would be great. Kthxbyeee.
Well…
I actually like praying for other people. At least, other people I like. Praying for people who are nasty to you? That’s not for me, right? (There’s another cringe emoji. See Matt 5:44.)
::Cough:: ANYWAY.….
Praying for other people helps when I’m feeling overwhelmed by my problems. No, hear me out. Because I can pray through my own problems so quickly, I have time to spend with God thinking about others. Asking for blessings in the workplace, for healing for family members, for peace for someone who’s mourning. By the time I’m done, I’m smiling instead of freaking out about my own problems.
Because I’ve taken my eyes off of me.
I know. This is stupid and huge at the same time. But we are selfish by nature. All of us. Selfishness is one of my biggest pet peeves. Bar none. But you know what, I’M SELFISH TOO.
Hypocrite much?
When you are so laser-focused on your own problems, it makes it hard to be grateful for any of your blessings. And I promise you have them. Praying for others is the best way I know to find that gratitude.
Just picture it, God answering your prayer for a family member. That prayer for healing for example. What if cancer wasn’t a part of that person’s life anymore? Who would they be? Are you smiling imagining it? I am. What if that struggling family got a financial windfall? Would you celebrate with them? Of course you would!
That’s the joy of praying with expectation. Of faith. Of believing God cares and hears you.
This joy overwhelms your own problems easily. It makes it so that impending furlough, while still there, isn’t a job loss. At least, not yet. It helps you see the good in your problems. Now, I’m not saying to exploit your friends’ problems so you feel better about your own life. LOL. I know I’m tactless, but I’m not that bad. No, use them to: A. Do something good for them, and B. Change your perspective.
Problems can make you feel very isolated. Like you’re the only one dealing with XY and Z right now. Especially prolonged illness, or financial issues. People get tired of hearing you complain, right? But when you start praying for others during your own XY and Z, you realize you aren’t alone. This life is hard. Jesus said it would be (John 16:33). “But take heart!” It isn’t just hard for you. It’s hard for everyone. Look what happened to Jesus while He was here for heaven’s sake, and he still prayed for the people who hurt him.
Son of God I am definitely not. And praying for my enemies is something I still struggle with, and probably always will. But the fact that I work at it is enough for now. Someday, I hope it won’t be work. Maybe it’ll be a habit. Then, when I’m like 90, maybe it’ll be a joy. Maybe. For now, I work. And that’s okay too.
The point is, praying for others won’t only change their life, it’ll change yours too.
So, let me ask Bob’s question again. “If God answered every one of your prayers, would it change anybody’s life except your own?”
My answer is yes. It would. So many lives. The thought makes me smile as I type this, thinking of the blessings poured out on people.
So, let’s be warriors. Let’s change this world, one prayer, one blessing, one action at a time. Let’s love everybody, always.
Stephanie Erickson
About the Author: Stephanie has published over 25 fiction novels, but is new to Christian writing. She is excited about this new adventure, and would love to connect with readers!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stephmerickson
Instagram: @authorsmerickson
Blog site: http://www.stephanieericksonbooks.com/blog
