Recently, I’ve been writing about my need to manage stress more effectively (see 3 Steps I’m Taking to Manage Stress Better and God’s Crushings).
While journaling the other day, I reflected on a prayer I’ve been praying for at least the few months: “God, give me a heart like yours!”
The prayer is based on a line that repeats in a children’s book by Max Lucado, Hermie: A Common Caterpillar. In the story, God keeps assuring Hermie, and his friend, Wormie, the common caterpillars, that he’s giving them a heart like his. This phrase has made its way into our family’s prayers.
In the last couple of days, it struck me that, like most prayers really, this is a dangerous prayer. Asking God to do serious transformational work in our hearts, bringing our hearts and lives in line with his, is always a risky prayer. But it’s also a necessary prayer for faithful disciples of Jesus Christ!
But, I also thought about the full statement in the story. “Don’t worry, Hermie and Wormie. I’m not finished with you yet. I’m giving you a heart like mine.”
God’s work of giving us hearts like his can be difficult and challenging, but the good news is, God is faithful to continue his work in us, until the work is complete.
It reminds me of Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 1.6 …
I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. (CEB)
By all means, ask God to give you a heart like his. But hold on. And remember that God isn’t finished you yet!