Selfish Wants

[Cindy727]

How do I know if my prayers are not for selfish wants? Is praying to be able to provide for my children a selfish want? My prayer is that those things which I own and have paid taxes on are not taken from me. I am also praying for guidance to lead my children to a faith based church. I need some get-up-and-go now that I am confused, afraid, and down-and-out. Cindy

[christythompson]

Jesus
I ask that you protect Cindy in all that is occurring
God bless her to not lose her home
and her things around her
Lord open her eyes to get the right plan of action
Give her the means of provision
and the possibilities of finding gainful work in this part of her life
Bless her to provide and be secure
In the Name of Jesus

As the Lord clothes the lily of the fields, so he want to clothe you
It is alright to desire sustainance for yourself and your family

[Cindy727]

Thank you for your prayer Christy. I pray God is good and kind to you and yours and provides many blessings to you. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

[Christian Commando]

Cindy-

As for the points you brought up wether selfish or not, your children are not. Its a sacrifice to think of them first above yourself. Wanting a safe environment for you and family as well as a roof and food security etc are good Godly requests. Wanting your Children to be raised in a Godly environment is also very good.

As for personal things you own outside of a home and necessary transportaion etc., those could be claimed as selfish, if they are considered as "luxuries".

I personally am happy with few luxuries. I do not get caught up in needing or wanting alot of luxuries if any. I will say tho, i like having a TV, VCR and cassette tape recorder, so I can continue to keep up with the Ministry tapes God has Blessed me with over the years. I do watch some videos since have no cable or antenna.

I do have this computer, so while I can serve God here, it also affords me a weather Site to keep up on the weather. Basically, everything i surround myself with, always has something to do with God and keeping Him my focus.

God had started several Ministries thru me like Rural Nursing Home and In Home Care Center Ministries, some Bible Studies and Classes. But, I'd learned over time, He mean't for me in that position, for after He got each of them established and going, He then taught me how to choose and train others into leadership positions and let them go to someone else mean't to take over and handle them permanently.

so basically, you must consider what will be for necessities, and what is for luxuries and decide if they are worthwhile stressing over to keep to help glorify God or just for your confort or enjoyment.

Its just fine to enjoy some luxuries or comforting things when God Blesses you with them. Just not to get so engrossed in them, should you have to lose them, your now depressed because of it. They are only "material" things.

We must be like Job. and not let ourselves become too attached to such things if lose them, because God can restore such things, so long as, like Job, we stay focused and thankful to God for what we still have and satisfied in whatever state we are in. Why?

Sadly, most people never realize, if never happy in a less comfortable state, as they gain more luxuries and comforts, they still end up wanting more. Thats not of God. And look at Job, after losing everything, including his family, was Blessed Double what he had to start with, by staying Faithful to God.

Lord-

We pray that you would calm this mother's spirit and give her peace and direction to follow for her and the family's path for good christian friends and a good Church to help build and lift her and family up and Glorify you in the process. In Jesus Name-Amen!!

[jenniferLeigh]

Hello Cindy!

I don't think praying for the blessings God has given you to provide for your family is selfish at all. Jesus told the apostles that they are to care for the children; if God has given you the opportunities and resources to care for children, then prayer to manage and maintain those opportunities sounds perfectly right. I think something my pastor told me once was very wise: he said "prayer isn't meant for God to hear your will, because he already knows what is best. Prayer is for you to hear God's will." So praying for these things isn't even the focus: rather, I think prayer focused on thanking God for the responsibilities he has bestowed to you and prayer asking him to further guide you by making you more receptive to his will is what is important. In terms of worrying about the physical possessions, well, the way I try to look at it is this: everything I "have" does not belong to me, it belongs to God. He knew of this computer long before I did, before I or computers even existed, he knew of it. He made it possible for this computer to be manufactured, delivered and purchased. He made me able to purchase it. This computer belongs to God and by His grace am I allowed to use it. Therefore, if nothing truly belongs to me-my possessions, my money, my job-then if God deems it time to take it back, then it's time for it to be taken back. Now, I'm sure there are those who have squandered their money and belongings, but these losses were not because it was God's will, rather it was because of decisions by those who turned from His will.

[JeriRose12]

That was a really good post Jennifer.

Another way I look at it, in my own life (when trying to get rid of stuff): What in my life does not fit with the goals and dreams God has given me to fulfill? So I write a list of everything I own that is necessary to what God has called me to do. If it is not necessary, I consider letting it go. Of course, there are things like Christmas decorations that fall in the "not really necessary" category. But since I believe they help celebrate Jesus birth (and it is all of our call to proclaim Him to the world), I do keep them. And I hang onto the teddy bear collection, though I'm not sure how they fit with God's calling on my life.

It is not selfish to want to care for your children and provide for them. Just be sure you aren't keeping up with the Joneses, as in trying to provide for your child every "must have" toy or item of clothing. This is following the world and trying to live after it's system. A child will not die of not having the latest hot item. Do your best to provide the necessary things for their survival...and give them what they need most: your love and attention. Many children with rich parents feel like their parents buy their love. They give them stuff instead of their time and attention.

God's blessings on you, Cindy.

Jerena

[Cindy727]

Thank you all for your posts. Jennifer and JeriRose12 I thank you for your words of wisdom. It is true, we could be happy with a lot less than what we currently own. I pray I can do the next right thing during this turmoil. It will be months before I know the outcome. Mostly I need to focus on being a good mother who puts the welfare of her children both physically and spiritually and emotionally ahead of everything else. God bless all of you on this prayer board. Cindy

[christythompson]

Cindy while you have the means
maybe you should prepare, just in case.
Don't just sit at home waiting for something to happen to you
Give yourself and your girls a road

Take some classes to regain your license
or Sonographers/Ct techs are in high demand and the course is a two year one.
(Now do not confuse this for Xray which does not have the demand)
You are mostly sitting and the hours are 95% days/weekends off
with about 3 on call days per month

I am a recruiter, so I know
Be like those wise maidens that brought extra oil
Give security to your girls
by honing your skills to be used again if needed
Love to you!

[Christian Commando]

Originally Posted by christythompson

Cindy while you have the means
maybe you should prepare, just in case.
Don't just sit at home waiting for something to happen to you
Give yourself and your girls a road

Take some classes to regain your license
or Sonographers/Ct techs are in high demand and the course is a two year one.
(Now do not confuse this for Xray which does not have the demand)
You are mostly sitting and the hours are 95% days/weekends off
with about 3 on call days per month

I am a recruiter, so I know
Be like those wise maidens that brought extra oil
Give security to your girls
by honing your skills to be used again if needed
Love to you!

Beautiful sharing. God calls us to be good stewards of that which we are Blessed with. And one way in that is exactly how Christy described such.

God Bless!!