A year ago I was searching for a job. I had just left a stressful position where my supervisor ran the office like a military boot camp and was praying for an environment that was less stressful. I was overwhelmed and felt guilty for having left without finding a new position elsewhere. I sometimes felt like I was complaining to God. I tried to start my prayer sessions with thanksgiving, but couldn’t wait to remind God just how much I needed this job. I spent three days sending out resumes far into the night, telling God before clicking the “send” button that I really wanted (and needed) this job.

I remember having a phone interview for a position with a research firm and was excited about how well the phone interview went. Only problem was it was a part-time position and as I walked into the in-person interview my enthusiasm deteriorated. I was offered the position during the in-person interview and accepted it right away. Later on I told people my testimony of finding a job in three days. I thought to myself, God is amazing but I wish this was a full-time position.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

A few days later I realized God had given me exactly what I asked for. All I had asked for was a less stressful position, and well, he had delivered. When I told friends of my new job they were excited, but I reminded them that it was only part-time. I reminded them that I still had worries, student loans, medical bills, and transportation needs to take care of.

“Did you ask God for a full-time position?” A friend asked.

“No, I just needed a job.” I replied.

“When talking to God you should be specific, after all he can only give you what you ask for.” She said.

I never thought of prayer in this profound way. I began to think of the difference between my conversations with friends and my prayer. I thought of all of the general prayers and requests I had made to God. I realized that God had given me so much and yet I had denied myself of so many other blessings.

As I went to work at the research firm I prayed for God’s forgiveness and mercy. I prayed for a new position, a full-time position with benefits. I told God that I wanted to help people; that I wanted to be in a place where I was impacting lives; where my Christian values were honored.

God gave me that position a month later, surrounding me with Christian coworkers and providing me with full benefits.

The more specific my prayer requests, the more I felt connected with God’s purpose for me in my life. Instead of just asking for wisdom, I asked for wisdom in specific areas of my life – finances, career, and education. Instead of asking for a spouse, I asked God to be at the center of my future spouse’s life. I also started to think of the steps needed to fulfill my God given destiny. I realized that God became my number one advisor and fan, that he was now guiding me every step of the way in my decisions instead of my telling him to just give me what I wanted.

I became less anxious, remembering that God wants only the best for me.

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I thought of the boldness of those seeking healing in the Bible.

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:20-22

We Want to Know:

Has your prayer life changed recently?

If so, how has it changed and has it impacted your relationship with God?