Our Motives Is Selfish, We Should Evaluate Our Prayers

                                                     When The Door Slams

Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, telling him, "Take courage, get up! He is calling for you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni (my Master), let me regain my sight."                     Mark 10:49-51

        It is hard to believe that the LORD would ask us what He could do for us. However, sometimes that is the question we must answer. Bartimaeus was blind, and he knew exactly what he wanted Jesus to do for him: restore his sight. Yet he received much more than physical sight! He received salvation, for Jesus know Bartimaeus's heart was faithful. Bartimaeus immediately used his gift to become a follower of the Savior.

        Jesus also asked James and John what they wanted Him to do for them. They requested the most prominent places in His kingdom. This time Jesus answered that He could not give them what they asked. Their request was selfish, and it brought dissension among their fellow disciples (Mark 10:41). 

        Think about this: Only when we pray according to God's will, He is pleased to grant our requests (John 15:16). We will not see our prayers answered if we ask selfishly (James 4:3). If God refrains from giving us what we are asking, we should evaluate our prayers. Are our motives selfish? Are we asking for far less than God wants to give (2 Kings 13:19; Eph. 3:20)? Are our requests worthy of God we approach? Are we obedient to God's word? Do we lack the faith God requires to give us our desires (Matt. 17:20)? Is there unconfessed sin (Isa. 1:15)? God delights in responding to our requests (Matt. 7:7). If we will ask according to His will, we, like Bartimaeus, will receive far more than we anticipated (Jer. 33:3).

May I be strong and courageous, being careful to obey Your word; may I not turn from it to the right or to the left, that I may act wisely wherever I go (Joshua 1:7).  

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For I brought nothing into the world, and I can take nothing out of it. But if I have food and clothing, with these I will be content.                                (1 Timothy 6:6-8).        

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.

                                                    Never Rest Ministries