Don’t Put God in a Box

I write this article because, if I am honest, I have found myself doing the very thing I say today, be careful not to put God in a box. I am sure that I have piqued your interest and you ask, “Angela, what in the world are you talking about?” Well I am so glad you asked.  In the normal course of life we ask God for things, blessings, opportunities, etc. I feel most times when we ask we have a set idea of what that outcome should look like.
Let me give you a few examples:
Lord I need a job – based on what your skill sets are we create in our head what that job we are looking for should look like. So if a job comes our way that doesn’t fit the mold we feel it should take, we make the assumption, “that’s not from God.”
Lord I am believing you for a house – even though you’re specific an incredible opportunity comes your way that does not reflect what you thought the house you desired should look like and once again we say, “that’s not from God.”
Lord I am believing you for a mate – you get real specific with what that looks like and a mate comes your ways oozing with faith, funds, family values and yet the mate doesn’t look like what you feel your type should look like, so you got it, once again you say, “that’s not from God.”
A similar story takes place where a man is caught in a flood. He reaches the highest mountain and yet the water continues to rise. A helicopter drops its rope and yells for him to take the rope and he says, “I’m waiting on God to save me.” A boat comes by and encourages him to do the same thing and he says, “I’m waiting on God to save me.” Then a strong swimmer with a raft hollers, “come on get in I’m here to rescue you.” And you got it, he says, “I’m waiting on God to save me.” The man drowns and goes to heaven. He gets his opportunity to speak with God and he says, “Lord I was on a hill needing to be rescued why didn’t you show up?” And God replied: “I did show up. In a helicopter, a boat, and a swimmer with a raft.
How do we pray, do it specifically, and then accept something outside of what we prayed for? There are some things that must be considered when praying. One of the most important components that should never be left out is “Thy will be done.” Let’s replay some of those earlier scenarios. These scenarios will only work if you believe that no good thing will God withhold from those who walk upright. Also you must have a linked relationship with God. You must have such a fine tuned relationship with Him that you can feel when God is prompting you in a direction.
Let’s say this upfront—being in tuned to God doesn’t mean it will feel good when you are prompted to do something that it outside of your comfort zone or less, in our minds, that what we wanted. The premise here is completely trusting God!
Lord I need a job that lines up with my skill sets and the salary that I want – God sends you a job opportunity that is lower level and less pay. 
1.       1st you pray on it and ensure that this is what God would have for you at this time in your life. You be still and know that He God and listen for that still quiet voice. (46:10)
2.       Just to be sure you pray again. J Sometimes we have to do like Gideon and ensure that it is truly God doing the leading. (Judges 6)
3.        Then we step out by faith, letting God know that you may not like the journey but you respect the One who has put this journey before you. (Jeremiah 29:11) And then you leave the outcome to God.

Outcome:
·         You find that you are on that job and an opportunity that exceeds what you thought comes your way and if you hadn’t been in that spot at that time you would never have received it. 
·         You find yourself in a place where a positive outlook is needed to uplift spirits and God uses you in that very place.

·         You find that someone there needed a word from God and God chose you.
Lord I’m believing you for a 4 bedroom 3 bath 3,000 square foot home ready for immediate move in. An opportunity comes your way for a 3 bedroom 2 bath 1,800 square foot home that needs some fixing up. You apply the same principles as above. Be sure that God is leading you to consider something less than what you wanted.
Outcomes:
This house is priced under market so your mortgage is going to be real doable.
This house since it’s under market value and already comes with equity in the bank to help leverage future opportunities.
There is enough land for you to build additions at a later date and create an exceptional home addition.
Because of your submission to God’s plans for you at this time, God uses you to bless other individuals with the additional resources you now have. And just wait to see what God does for you and on your behalf!!
 Lord I’m believing you for a mate: You do the same as above. Now I know the character traits I mentioned funds, family values, and faith are excellent qualities. Let’s admit yal, there are those other traits that sometimes trumps those most important. There’s a height limit, a weight limit, a look limit. I ask you if God sent you someone with funds (an excellent provider), faith (has an active relationship with the Lord and it is visibly apparent), and family values, treats you with respect and is kind—if looks, height and weight trump those things clearly you are not looking for someone who is destined to treat you like the royal individual you are meant to be treated like.

Being specific with God has its place as Philippians 4:6 reminds us to make our supplications (specifics) and prayers (general) be made known unto God, you can never take God out of the equation when it comes to us receiving the best that God has for us. For His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. In truth my hearts desires are actually desires God has implanted in my heart. So I say, “Yes” be specific in your prayers, and trust God to fashion those desires in the ones that He gets the glory and His outcome is what truly matters.
It’s not always about us …. Yet it should always be about God and how what we want will advance the body of Christ!!