A Kansas man went before the judge in a conflict with his ex-wife, asking the court for permission to engage in a sword fight with her. He asked for twelve weeks to find katana and wakizashi swords for his requested battle, arguing, “To this day, trial by combat has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States.” The judge has deferred the decision until later “citing irregularities with both sides’ motions and responses.”[1]

Sometimes God says “No” to our prayers because we “ask amiss.” 

Our requests may not be as outlandish as that of the husband in Kansas, but how does God view them? We must learn to pray according to His will, always giving Him the right to say “No” or to substitute His perfect will for our imperfect requests. 

James told us to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), to ask in faith (James 1:6), and to say, “If the Lord wills” (James 4:15). May the Lord teach us to pray more wisely and not amiss.

God always has and always will look for men and women who say to Him, “I trust you so much, I’m all in. I want your way not mine. I am willing to live by faith!”

Chip Ingram