Tuesday, May 3, 2011 - Tough Love is Tough

      As I watch Julie struggle to breathe when she walks very far, work to find a comfortable position to sit or sleep, ride the emotional roller coaster of "Could it be today?" and "I'm so ready to meet my baby!" I have to filter my prayers so I don't let my sympathy for her and my own desire to know Adalyn Faith override God's will. Whatever they are,  God has His reasons for keeping Addy from making her entrance just yet. 

     Tough love is tough for people-pleasers. People-pleasers (a.k.a. "fixers" or "doers") allow our sympathy for others to overshadow God's interests by stepping in too quickly to please, fix or do something when we discern a need. People-pleasers fail to consider what God's doing for another person's long-term spiritual gain when we pray, "Father, please, fix it," or "Do something," or "Relieve this person," or "Have mercy, he/she's had enough."  Sometimes we pray this way because we're afraid God might allow our loved ones to suffer. People-pleasers waste time and energy trying to balance their prayers between what would please others and what serves God's interests in their loved one's life. Sadly, a prayer "balanced" between God's will and our own desires or sympathy, is a wasted, ineffective prayer. Trusting, loving and serving the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength means praying He accomplishes His eternal will in our loved ones' lives and that, my fellow people-pleasers, is tough in the middle of the suffering and discomfort.

 "No one can serve two masters. 

Either he will hate the one and love the other, 

or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. 

You cannot serve both God and Money." 

Matthew 6:24

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." 

Revelation 2:4

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power 

through His Spirit in your inner being, 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." 

Ephesians 3:16-17

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. 

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." 

Ephesians 6:18

You have made known to me the path of life; 

You will fill me with joy in Your Presence, 

with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." 

Psalm 16:11

Our Father, Who art in heaven - You are holy and loving. Your ways are best. Your will is perfect. Mold our prayers and strengthen us to grow in the path Your will leads us to follow. Guide each loved one to know, love and serve You better through their circumstances. Help us love You first and most and to desire Your will above everything else. Instruct us on how to enjoy Your Presence consistently. Shine through us and increase our faith in Your Love and Grace.

In the Name of Jesus Who prayed, Thy Will be done!

Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest and Jesus Calling

photo from photobucket.com