To whom much is given, much will be required | Remembering what we pray for
“Answered prayers are scary. They imply responsibility. You asked for it. Now that you’ve got it, what are you going to do? Why else the cautionary phrase Watch out for what you pray for; you might just get it?
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These last 9 months have been trying for me in every way: work, relationships, friendships, finances…you name it! I’ve been tested with my faith, had some things about myself exposed, and it was NOT pretty.
While I’ve been through these tests and trials, I can’t help but to remember the things that I prayed for. I prayed that my faith would increase, that I would be more disciplined with my finances and time. I even prayed for a better relationship than my last one. And guess what? I received and I’m now being tested on those things.
I couldn’t even be mad at God, to be honest. I had to remember that there are things that come with what you pray for: bigger responsibilities, moments where you have to humble yourself, etc. And none of these things were created to hurt me, but to make me better and prepare me for what’s to come. It took me a while, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel what you feel when things happen, and know that things happen for a reason
I am, in no way, saying you have to “get over it” whenever you’re going through something. We’re human. We’re going to get frustrated when we run out of money, or get a load of “no”s when we’re pursuing jobs and opportunities. We’re going to feel insecure, or like we’re not good enough when we find ourselves in new spaces or relationships with people that seem to be healthier than what we’ve dealt with in the past.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to stay there.
I mentioned remembering the things I prayed for because it helped me to stay positive about the situations I’ve been in. It also reminded me to stay in prayer and go to God for help. I’ll admit: I am a worry-wart. I get anxious, I overthink, and then I immediately think of how I can get out of a certain situation.
In moments like these, I tend to shut down (or sometimes act/react based on those thoughts/feelings). I tend to take the independent woman trope a little too seriously, shutting myself off from God and my loved ones. Realizing this, I’ve learned that this isn’t healthy. I’m isolating myself from the ones who could help me the most!
Following the advice of peers and my therapist, I began to write down my prayers and the goals I wanted to achieve. I also wrote down what I was thankful for and meditated on those things consistently. As I did this, my perspective on things began to change.
The more I reflected and worked towards the things I wanted, the more I remained positive about life. I still have moments where my emotions get the best of me, and I’ve yet to obtain everything I’ve prayed for/written down, but I began to worry less, which is a HUGE deal for me.
It’s so easy for us to focus on our problems, which leads to us feeling like we’re never going to get them resolved. But I encourage you to keep pushing, and keep your eyes on the prize. If you need to, write things down. Say your prayers out loud. Write down things that you’re thankful for. You’ll be amazed at how your perspective changes.
You got this. We got this.
- Anyssa xoxo
