“Remember…two of these or you die!” It was an unusual Christmas list, written by 13-year old Mekeeda Austin. Discovered by her mother and later appearing in British tabloids, Mekeeda demanded a new smartphone, sunglasses, a designer sweater and cash. If Santa failed to come through, the youngster wrote she would not only kill the jolly old fellow, but also hunt down his reindeer, cook them and serve them to homeless people on Christmas Day. One can only hope that Mekeeda’s mother did not accede to her wishes.

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Mark 14:36

Sometimes the prayers of God’s people must sound in Heaven every bit as outlandish as Mekeeda’s demands. No one has the Lord’s unlimited wisdom and perspective. Will you trust that He has your best interests, and your eternal good, in mind even when He says “no?” Consider the greatest unanswered prayer ever: God denied Jesus’ request for the cup of suffering to be removed. Had that prayer been answered in the affirmative, you would be without hope.

As you pray for America today, thank God He often gives us not what we want, but what is best.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:18-25