Careful Wishes

John 15:7 (NRSV):  “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” 

     We have heard it under many circumstances; “be careful what you wish for – you might just get it.”  I don’t know too many people who don’t want their wishes to come true. We would like to believe that what we truly desire will manifest itself, just because we believe. The real issue is not in the manifestation of the desire, but in the desire itself.  What is it that you are really wishing for and wanting to have happen?  That is where the ‘care’ must be taken. As believers in Christ we trust his word and know that he is truthful.  Therefore if Christ gives us the parameters around achievable wishes, then it seems plausible that we must exercise caution in what we wish for.  When Jesus proclaims our liberties to wish and receive those wishes; they are bound up in two parameters.  The Expanded Bible (EXB) relates this way: [If you remain [abide] in me and ·follow my teachings (my words abide/remain in you), you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to (be done for; come to) you]. So I believe that if we remain united (joined) with Jesus and follow his commands, then our wishes will be in alignment with the desires that he has for us and they will come about upon our asking - some instantaneously, some over time. 

      This means that my asking should therefore be in harmony with what God has purposed for me.  As I ask for revelation, clarity, forgiveness, etc., these things are in alignment with what God wants for me along my life’s journey, so he is apt to bring those desires to fruition.  If my wishes are for things that are detrimental or distractions to my walk with him, he loves me so much, he will not make them a part of my reality or he will withhold them until I mature or progress to a place where I can handle them properly.  

      Every parent wants and prepares their child to be independent and able to exercise their freedom, but we would never give car keys to an 10-year old, even if they were tall enough to reach the peddles and see over the steering wheel. No matter how much experience they have driving a car using their Wii game, they are not ready to handle a real automobile.  So they can wish all they want but as responsible adults we know what is best.  God hears your wishes and he knows what is best; so make sure you are careful about your wishes.  Wishes show God your maturity level and how many more lessons you might need to repeat before you can move on to a higher level of responsibility. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn