The "I Don't Know" prayer

 


As I was praying just a little bit ago, I found myself at a loss for how to handle a couple of situations in my life.  The last few months have been difficult, as many of you know.  We had squatters in our rental home that we had to pay to move out.  We had to hire attorneys to help us navigate the laws that favor squatters.  Financially, things were tight.  The house was left in 'not the best shape.'   A new renter fell through along with a deal we were making that would have benefited many people. And a truck wreck put us even farther behind. (no one injured - praise God)

I admit that I am a worrier and that I always try to figure out how to take the steps that I think are necessary for the outcome that I want. (God is working on this with me).  I come up with options and I look at possible outcomes.  I pray that God will work things out but I also step in when I shouldn't.  I try to keep everyone happy, usually with limited success.

When I say God is working on me and in our situations, I mean it.  Not one of the issues listed above was solved in the ways that I thought or prayed for them to be.  However, most of them have been solved in ways that I would never have even imagined.  It has been faith-strengthening, amazing and wonderful to see what God has come up with. 

When God says he will work all things together for the good of those who love Him, He's not kidding. I have a greater peace now for those situations that are still in progress. I know that He sees me, He loves me and He is working. 

During the worst of this time, I came across a prayer called the "I don't know" prayer.  You may have heard of it.  There are many version and usually I just make mine up as I go along. 

Generally, my version goes something like this.

Lord,

I don't know what to do about this situation. I don't know how to handle things or what I should and should not do. I don't understand what or why this is happening. I'm lost. I don't know how to pray. I don't know what life has in store. I just don't know.

But You do.  Amen

I can't tell you how many times I prayed like this and still do on a regular basis.  The peace comes from knowing (really knowing) that God will work things out.  I know this in my heart because I can look back on past situations that He has helped me overcome.  

When I look back at my life, I see the many mistakes I made. God has taken those mistakes and given me many wonderful experiences and so many blessings. I would not be married to a Pastor, living in a beautiful small town enjoying my retirement if  God had done things the way I wanted them to be done. Thank you God.


I want to encourage you today because I know that everyone of you is going through something and you are trying to figure it out.  Stop!  Pray the "I don't know prayer". Look back at things that you are thankful didn't work out the way you wanted. Know that God sees you and loves you and is working in your situation.  Take a breath, let it out. Everything will be done in God's time and it will be ok.

Blessings

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