With our wedding just weeks away, we had saved up for the big day. But in prayer, God spoke clearly: “Use that money to publish your next book.” It was a tough decision, but we obeyed. God used that book tremendously. He supernaturally funded the wedding; we ended up with more than enough. I learned to put His kingdom first.
Friend, the primary goal of prayer, aside from cultivating intimacy with God, is to establish the kingdom of God on the earth (Psalm 22:28). This was succinctly captured in the Lord’s prayer as taught by Jesus. It is only after praying for His kingdom and will to be established that other matters raised in prayers would matter (Matthew 6:10-11).
If you promote your desires above the kingdom of God on the earth, you would miss God’s purpose for your life (Matthew 26:39). Until we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, other things would not be added. Therefore, we must not pursue other things at the expense of God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:32-33).
The kingdom of God speaks to the purposes of God on the earth (Ephesians 1:11). Beyond meeting your needs and granting your requests, God wants His purpose to be established. When you tie your prayer requests and needs to the purpose of God, you would get the attention of God easily (1 Samuel 1:11).
God is not first committed to our wants. He’s committed to His purpose in our lives and on the earth (Isaiah 46:10-11). This is why God would delay the answer to some of your prayers until it aligns with His purpose and counsel. God’s purpose is bigger than your wants. You need to see the bigger picture as you pray (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
Isaac was not just another male child. He was a child of promise; someone whose life would mirror the new creation (Galatians 4:28). Samuel was not just meant to silence Peninnah. God needed a prophet for Israel. God does not have a problem answering your prayer. He wants His kingdom to be born via it. Learn to establish God’s kingdom in prayer (Matthew 12:28).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria