The Blessing of: No Need To Ask, Just Pray!

One Word 365

Word: Blessing

Why do we sometimes pray (ask) for what we already have? Why do we ask God to do things that He has clearly instructed us is our own responsibility to do?

 

Within the context of health and fitness, I can’t help but notice that many times people are asking God to answer prayers that are our responsibility to take care of and not His; such as:

• Weight Loss
• Controllable diabetes
• Certain eating disorders
• Lack of motivation to exercise
• Making healthy eating choices
• Smoking cessation

The above are prayer request topics that we can take control of in our life. When we bring these concerns to God, it’s not to ask Him to make these changes. God has already given us the power, strength, and courage to conquer our personal weaknesses.

Romans 8: 5-6

5. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

I’ve used this verse and applied it to sinful habits as it relates to our poor choices regarding our health. Our sinful nature and our minds decide whether or not we will overcome these types of health issues that we are asking God to remove from our lives. God won’t make us go to the gym; He won’t force us to eat less processed foods; He won’t rip that cigarette from our mouths. In every area of our life, God gives us freedom of choice. God doesn’t create obedient robots; He knows that He is dealing with human hearts and minds. God sends His Holy Spirit to continually guide us, but we have to make the decision to listen and say yes to all that is necessary for living a healthy lifestyle.

God doesn’t leave us to struggle with our sins and lack of self-discipline on our own, He is always there with and for us. Instead of a traditional prayer of asking God to do what He has left for us to do, how about communicating with God. Talk to Him, tell Him how you are feeling; share with Him your struggles and any weaknesses you faced throughout the day.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19. Or do you not know that your body is a temple[a] of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20. For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

“Your body is the temple of God.

Be careful where it goes.

Be careful what it does.

Be careful what it ponders.

Be careful how it reacts.” (by Matt Slick)

I’ll take this further by adding: Be careful what you feed it.

 

Question:

Are there things that you continuously ask God to do that you should be doing yourself?

Do you sometimes feel as if God hasn’t answered “yes” to one of your prayers even though you know the request could easily be answered if you did as the Lord has already asked of you?

Reflection:

Try this for a week:  Communicate (pray) with God about health and fitness struggles that you have. Ask Him to reveal any areas in your life that are hindering you from committing your body and mind to being a temple (sanctuary) where His Spirit dwells.  Commit to doing the work that is required to develop a healthy lifestyle.

Part 2. Find verses and quotes that offer you encouragement and strength. Post them where you can see them, or memorize them. Use these verses in your battle against unhealthy habits, knowing and remembering that God has already given you everything you need to overcome destructive habits.