More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This concept was first introduced to the blogosphere by Diana at Sunshine on my Shoulders as "a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love."

It's an opportunity to share how we see more of God working in our lives. Your post can either be Scripture Speaks - a particular Bible passage and what you gained from it - or Him in My Life - a particular event when you felt God speaking to you. Write your own post, sign Mr. Linky, and come encourage others while you are encouraged in your spiritual journey. Feel free to grab the badges on my sidebar.
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This past week, I started leading a weekly Bible study in the gospel of John. We have "homework" everyday and then bring our notes to "class" to aid in our discussion. This week we studied John 1-2.

When I read the story of Jesus at the wedding in Cana, I was struck by His response to His mother when she told Him that the party was out of wine.

"How does that concern you and me?" Jesus asked. "My time has not yet come." (John 2:4)

I don't think that Mary was asking Jesus to perform a miracle. I think she was a mother sharing a concern with her oldest son. I really don't think that she had any expectations of something incredible.

Yes, she knew that Jesus was "different" from her other children. I'm sure she remembered what the angel said when she learned that news that she was pregnant with Jesus. But I'm also sure she didn't know how that was going to play out in His life. After all, there was no precedent.

Jesus' response to Mary may strike some as snippy. But I can see this as a matter-of-fact statement - how does that concern me?

When we take our requests to God, I imagine that is His response - how does that concern Me? He wants to respond to our needs in the best way. Not necessarily the best way that suits me, but the best way that suits Him and His plan.

When we ask something of God, we should go to Him with no expectations. Prayer is a conversation with our Creator God. It's not a laundry list of things that we need Him to do. I see prayer as sharing our heart with the One who made our heart. We should trust that He will do the right thing at the right time.

I know, easier said than done. Great reminder this week. Prayer is conversation. Let Him know what concerns you have, and trust that He will act in the right way, at the right time.

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