Day 73 – What Do You Want?

Brother Lawrence said simply that God “wants to make us like himself, if we so desire.”

I’m captured by this phrase “if we so desire”. I find the question “what do you want?” one of the most difficult questions to answer consistently. I have to reflect, pray, listen.

We have a choice. But wishing and wanting are two different things.

Do I really want to know God? Become like Christ? Be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit? And, am I willing to pay the price to get there?

If God were to ask you, “What do you want?” what would be your answer?

God asked that question to Solomon – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5; 2 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon gave a great answer.

He wanted a discerning heart to govern God’s people and distinguish between right and wrong. And God gave him a wise and discerning heart and was delighted to give him more than he asked – wealth, honor, and a long life.

Jesus asked that question of two of John’s disciples – “What do you want?” (John 1:38). They gave a limited answer.

They wanted to know where Jesus was staying, so they could check him out. So he invited them into the next step, “Come and see.”

Jesus asked that question of James and John – “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36). They gave a selfish answer.

They wanted Jesus to give them the two highest positions of privilege in his kingdom – like the two closest positions of his presidential cabinet. Their request was respectfully denied.

Jesus asked that question of two blind beggars – “What do you want me to do for you?” They gave a specific answer: “Lord, we want our sight!”

With characteristic compassion, Jesus touched their eyes and healed them (Matthew 20:32-34).

So, what do you want, really?

Brother Lawrence says that the Lord “wants to make us like himself, if we so desire.” God wants it. Do we?

Action Step: Reflect on what you really want and tell God.

This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave