I recently received two 9-week old kittens from a relative. It was either I take them or they were going to be sent to the Cruelty Society where most likely they would be put down. I never had a pet, but I figured how hard could it possibly be? I named them Bree and Bella, bought food, toys, and other supplies. I thought, “Oh this is so cool, I’m a mommy!” After three days, I was ready to PUT THEM OUT!! They woke me up at 5 a.m. crying, I was constantly sweeping and wiping up litter that they had tracked all over my office floor and desk, and because they can’t seem to keep their food in their bowl I was forever wiping up behind them so ants would not be attracted to my home.
I also lost some of the freedom and autonomy I have always enjoyed. Instead of being out all day, I have to make sure I come home to check on the kittens. When I would rather just go get in the bed and crash, I have to go play with them. Every morning before I go to work I have to scoop their litter box, put out food for them and refresh their water bowl. After a couple of days of this I found myself thinking about how to nicely give them away. Just then God spoke saying, “But you say you’re ready to be a man’s wife and a baby’s mother?!”
After the shock wore off, emotions subsided, and reflection began, I had to admit that I am not ready for the things I have been asking God for since I was a little girl. As far back as I can remember I have desired to be a wife and a mother. Everything else–education, career, financial independence–was secondary to that desire. As a matter of fact, I initially pursued these things as means to an end. I figured that accomplishing these things would make me more desirable as a potential mate. I have BEMOANED (to express distress or grief over) singleness for a long time, always asking WHY would God make this desire so strong in me, if He doesn’t have any intention of fulfilling it?
Truth is I’m NOT ready! If I can’t deal with two kittens who are for the most part self sufficient, how can God trust me with a husband who will need me to be his help meet and babies, tiny human beings who would be TOTALLY dependent on me? Now that I am in a place of honesty with myself and God He can begin to work in me to get me to a place where I will be ready. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalms 37:4 NIV) I am encouraged that God has not forgotten about me, “At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting—it will happen!” (Habakkuk 2:4 CEV) I did not like this scripture, I couldn’t stand the “…it may take a long time, but keep on waiting…” part. That is until I realized the purpose of my wait…to get me ready!
We all have desires and requests before the Lord. If we were really honest, many of us would admit we are not ready for the things we are asking God for. How can God trust you with millions when you don’t tithe from hundreds? How can God trust you with your own business when you are not diligent with the current job you have? We cannot move to our next level and get to our destiny until we get honest and just admit….I am not ready!
Dear Daddy,
Thank You for revelation and conviction. Thank You for revealing the areas I need to work on in order to be ready to carry out the whole purpose for my life in You. With a spirit of humbleness, I admit there are some things I have been asking You for that I am not truly ready for. I ask that You work on me and through me to get me ready. I ask that You bring me to a place of reflection before I bring requests to You. Before I ask You for anything, help me to evaluate not only if I’m ready for that thing, but also if my desire lines up with Your will for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to BE HONEST with yourselves and God. Do a personal inventory of all the things you have been praying and asking God to do for you and through you. First, seek God’s will regarding these things. Does what you want line up with God’s will for your life? Secondly, ask yourself, “Am I REALLY ready?” If God gave you that thing TODAY, would you be willing and able to handle everything that goes along with it, the good, the bad, and the atrocious!? If your answer is no, again seek God and ask Him to help you. Ask Him to work on you and remove every issue that is hindering you.
Are you really ready for what you are petitioning God for? Tell us about it below.
Enter our monthly giveaway by clicking here.
_____________________________________________________________
Ms. Katrina Richard is an up and coming professional residing in Chicago, Illinois. She strives to incorporate knowledge and life-skills to teenagers in her profession as a high school history teacher. Katrina is very active in her church community where she serves in the prayer ministry as well as in the nursery. She has a passion for serving in the lesser known areas of ministry because she believes every facet of ministry is important to kingdom building and spiritual development of the believers. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”