And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Mark 10:36
Lord Jesus, as I meditate on Your Word, I am intrigued by the Mark 10:36 and 51. In both instances You ask the same question. Yet, Your response is completely different. How many times, Lord, have I come to You asking for something out of wrong motivation? Yes, it is for my betterment, and because of my giftedness it appears to be the right thing to ask. Yet, when I look at it and peel back the layers, I miss the mark. I fall short. How many times have I found that my requests are about something completely outside Your will. Yes, they may be kingdom focused and line up with my giftedness and callings. And yes, they may appear to be timely, especially in light of what is going on right now in my life. Yet, upon closer examination, where I assess my requests against my ambitions, I can see a level of “me focus” that is off base and self-serving. I pray today for a spirit of discernment, where I can peel back the layers of my requests to expose either my personal ambition or wrong motivations. Provide for me the clarity to understand why You are saying no in the moment, and show me examples of a heart that gets it that I might see my own failings and shortcomings and course correct. In all situations, whether motivated by poor intentions or noble, remind me that You stand asking me, “What do you want me to do for you?” And grant me the boldness to not only ask, but to accept the answer You give me. Amen. Amen. Amen.