“All things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).

This is an encouraging verse, but let us note carefully what it says and what it does not say. Yes, God is omnipotent. He can do anything compatible with His will. God cannot do contradictory things, like putting a square peg in a round hole. He cannot create a rock that is too heavy for Him to move. God cannot act contrary to His will. Nevertheless, when we pray to God, we are praying to a Being who is omnipotent. That should encourage us to approach God with confidence. Whatever it is we pray about, we pray about, He has the power to help.

Does that mean He will always do what we ask? Not if what we ask is contrary to His will. God has a long-range plan for how history will end. We do not understand all the details of How His plan will work out in history. Our personal lives are included in His plan. We submit to Him our requests with the added prayer, “Thy will be done.” As Christians, isn’t that what we really want? We desire that if our requests conflict with His long-range purpose for us, we willingly submit to His will. If we demand that our will supersede His will, we want to take the place of God. We don’t want to do that!

Our gracious Father in heaven, I do believe that your power knows no limits. I can never pray, wondering if you have the power to answer my prayer. But please help me to submit my will to Your will. Help me to understand that Your plans for my life take precedence over my plans. When I pray, may I pray with the attitude, “Thy will be done.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.