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Is Praying For Safety a Good Thing?


It was 5:30 a.m. and with coffee and chocolate muffin in tow I was driving to a doctor appointment. I tuned into KLOVE and settled in for the two hour drive on that early January morning.

 My husband reclined back for a little nap which worked perfectly because I began to talk to God- silently, but I can’t help moving my lips when I pray. With him sleeping, I felt freedom to talk to God without fear of being declared insane.

I love time with just me and God. No distractions except for a few deer and occasional bright headlights from oncoming cars. I babbled on and on to Him, whatever came to mind, I talked it about to my Father.

I prayed for my children- for safety and blessings… for a family who recently lost their mom…for safety as I drove…and I praised Him for the lack of fog that morning.

My prayer came to a halt. God seemed to say “Is that all you have faith to thank Me for? No fog? Is driving safely to an appointment the most weighty matter on your mind? Is the safety of your kids all you really want for them? Don’t you want more? Trust Me for more.”

Humbled, my answer was of course “Yes.” How easy it is to get pulled into “safe” mode, as if God’s goal for us is to live in safety until we die. In David Platt’s book “Radical” he poses a very pointed question. “What if being in the center of God’s will is the most unsafe place to be?” In his book “In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day” Mark Batterson makes the statement, “Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.”

God doesn’t call us to be safe, or happy, He calls us to give up our lives, pick up our cross and look up to the example in Christ and follow Him. Is it wrong to pray for safety? Absolutely not. But when the desire for safety overshadows the desire for God to refine us, to draw our hearts to Him no matter what it takes, then safety becomes an idol.

Would I truly rather live a safe, happy, all-American life with good friends and enough to satisfy, or would I rather give up, pick up and look up and enjoy a relationship with the Savior… even if that involves some hardship?

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Father, may you direct my heart to seek Your kingdom first and to place my safety in your hands, knowing that you are out for my good and growth.

What are your thoughts on this? I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment!

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  1. ~Mrs.Swann~Sat Oct 20, 08:32:00 AM 2012

    Wow! Thank you for the morning wake up call from God. My self-centeredness too often craves safety, more than God's will. More to mull. More room to grow.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMon Jan 07, 10:47:00 PM 2013

    Wow! So very true. Glad I came across this today. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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