Someone once told me, "Be careful what you ask for." Advice well heeded, even when it comes to prayer.
Years ago I ran across the following quote in a Christian magazine:
That one, simple sentence--a prayer, really--moved me so deeply I wrote it in the inside cover of my Bible. Little did I realize how seriously God would take my plea.
Over the years, God has taken me through some of the most difficult challenges (trials) of my life. And yes, my heart has been broken time and time again by things I am certain likewise break His heart. But the interesting thing is that because of those difficult times, I have been drawn into an intimacy with Him I never knew was possible. Because of His faithfulness in the darkest, most seemingly hopeless situations, He has been my strength, my comfort, my fortress, my Counselor, my Defender, and my Friend. I have come to know Him as a trustworthy confidante, a wise counselor, and a stern disciplinarian. I have heard His "still, small voice" echoing through my spirit. I have experienced His silence as He allowed me the privilege of figuring certain things out on my own. I have witnessed His reprimand when I 'got out of line.' I have known His protective hand, His tender touch, and His amazing grace and mercy.
And still I want to know Him more. Still there is so much in me to be worked out, burned out, softened, and honed.
The more I know Him, the more I realize I've only scratched the surface. Knowing Him is like the smell of baking bread to a starving man.... A smell, a taste of Him leaves me wanting more; my appetite is whetted--never satisfied. The 'belly' of my spirit is never full. I only and always want more of Him. It's a hunger that pulls me in closer, but never aches.
Do I regret the prayer for a broken heart? No. I have mourned many losses over the years, but I wouldn't take one of them back. The road to knowing God's heart is a terribly difficult one indeed, but well worth it. The price is high, but worth the cost. The payoff always exceeds the investment!
Certainly be careful what you ask for, but realize that no matter what you ask of God, His answer will always be His absolute best for you--even it you don't understand it...because He loves you that much!
*Quote by Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision and Samaritan's Purse.