Motive -- Thoughts on Prayer

You do not have because you do not ask God.  

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives….

James 4:2-3

          I think God wants His people at their best in all things.

          Take our bodies.  Does God want us ill and lame and used-up prematurely?  In itself, no.  So I think.  I  would not want people thus.  God is as well-wishing as I am, I judge.  If I could, I would make people well.  Had I the power I certainly would do this, and so would all, I am sure.  But, if I had divine wisdom as well as power I would do just as God does.

          There is something better than bodily health.  The headache and back-ache are not worst things.  Character is better than health, and sin is worse than physical pain.

          It is quite evident that the only way God can save the most of us is to let us have physical ills.  Not that He chooses the ills for us, but chooses what those are the means of securing to us, or in keeping from us of evil.

But, my contention is that with a right motive we might be differently circumstanced in just these particulars.

          In one of my charges as a pastor was a young woman of slender frame and precarious health.  She was a wife and mother who had her home to keep and its interests for which to care.  One day, climbing the chamber stairs, she rested half-way up, as she was wont to do.  While sitting on the stair-tread she said: “Oh God I am Thy child.  I love Thee.  I am in Thy service.  Thou canst give me a good and sound body.  Lord, if Thou wilt do this, I will give the added strength to Thee.  I will put no more into home-cares and personal interests, but will expend the new energy in Thy service.”

          Hardly were these words uttered—if uttered they were—when God healed her!  She jumped to her feet, ran up the stairs like a girl and has been a well woman ever since—for years.  And she kept her covenant with God, and is keeping it now.  I know her well.

          Motive!  Motive is vital!  “Ye ask and receive not … that ye may consume it upon your lusts,” upon your own personal gratification.

--Rev. Charles Fowler, 1912