Wanting what I need....

Above everything the human soul can possible desire and want, LORD I pray that you will give us what we need and the grace to accept it. Though I would be pleased with a life of safety and comfort, I'd rather be conformed to the Image of Your Son, so that this faith, though tested by the fires of disappointment, despair, and discipline, will prove to be "of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire." I suppose it is risky to talk like this, with words that give rise to alarming opposition within, arousing an enemy who is ready at a moments notice to point out my flaws, past sins, and shortcomings, reminding me of all the dangers involved in stepping out of a boat of passiveness into the raging waters of love and true service. Indeed, it isn't safe at all to follow You: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." So again I pray that you will give us what we need, the grace to accept it, and unfailing love so that we may reflect it.

~Written By Tommie McAfee