Transitions, Timing, and Persuasive Prayer
In John 2:4, Jesus tells his mother his “hour has not yet come." Jesus had a great sense of timing and trusted in God. He was patient. He also was willing to bend and change his mind if needed, as in this instance.
Of course, I need to be patient and surrendered to God’s will, but one of the things I love about God (and Jesus), is that they can be persuaded. God may have a plan (and it is a good plan), but we may desire something more, or something else, or something sooner. If we ask respectfully but persistently, the scriptures show that we can persuade God.
I love that about my relationship with God. It is a live relationship; it is active, and things can be changed. God is like a parent who may have set his mind on something, but the pleading of an expectant child can move God.
This affects how I pray. I need to be surrendered to God’s will, but if I desire something (as long as it is not sinful of course)— why not ask, plead, and even beg? Who knows? God may be persuaded.
A child will only try to persuade a parent if they have a close relationship. A child who feels distant from the parent will not dare. Too many of us are passive in our relationship with God. We don't try to persuade God. We may not feel close enough to Him to approach Him that way, and we may miss out on some of the things we desire. We have to remember that God is a loving parent who wants to be generous with us.
If He says no, so be it, but at least we can try!