What I’m suggesting here is a radical change in thinking. Instead of being outcome-specific in our prayers, wouldn’t it be better to take our hands off wheel and let Jesus decide what’s best for us?

True story, my first book had been in hands of one company for more than a year. They had been promising during course of that year that it would be out “next month.” However, “next months” had strung together to make a year, and I was getting frustrated. Throughout course of year, I had gotten these little pushes that I was to put out a second book with a different company, but I resisted. I didn’t want two books out at same time. I didn’t want anyone in first company mad because I went with a second company. In short, I was paralyzed by a decision that could radically change my future, and I wasn’t at all sure which choice to make.

So, I made a deal with God. I basically told Him that I didn’t know what He wanted me to do, and I didn’t want to make a mistake. So if He didn’t want me to put out second book, He needed to get someone from company one to contact me in next two weeks. Then I put that decision aside and went to work on other things. When deadline came, I still hadn’t heard anything, so I said, “Okay, 24 more hours, and then I send it in.”

Still nothing. So I sent second book. Two days later company one emailed to give me a publicist. When she later questioned second book, I said, “God made decision not me.” You know, I have never regretted that decision—even though it was highly unconventional.

I’m not saying you should go around giving God ultimatums. I now realize a simpler method is just to put every day in His hands. Give Him reins of deciding what’s most important for your time. Then when things work out, you know it was His will. When things don’t work out like you expected, it was His will, and He has a better idea.

Then all you have to do is do your best, work as hard as you can, and let Him make decisions. Pray only for guidance and for peace no matter what happens, and I think you will be amazed at number of incredible answers that will start popping up in your life.

Think about what you’re setting up for yourself. By saying “as” think about what you’ve told God to do, you stand before Throne.

The good news is that “as” works just as thoroughly in a positive direction. Do you have mercy on those around you? Do you forgive? Put past behind you and truly move on? Do you bless those who have hurt you and pray for those who hate you? Do you actively look for good even when it seems buried?

If so, that is scale God will use for you. It’s a smart thing to remember next time you blithely say “as I forgive those…”