American teenager Coco Gauff won the US Open Tennis Tournament on Saturday.
A wonderful accomplishment, for sure, but most impressive was her post-match interview. After kneeling briefly to pray, this articulate young woman skipped the typical platitudes and spoke clearly about faith, family, and overcoming adversity.
When the interviewer inquired about the prayer, Ms. Gauff offered a powerful two-sentence sermon.
“I don’t pray for results. I just ask for the strength to give it my all.”
I wanted to jump and pump my fist!
I agree with her. I try hard not to pray for specific outcomes. When Jesus and I talk, I ask for things like discernment, wisdom, insight, persistence…often I confess I’m not sure what I need but I trust Him to show me and provide it anyway.
God values character more than my short-term wants or, I believe, the results of a tennis match. He asked us to pray “…your will be done…”
His will – not ours.
He invited us to do what we can, where we are, with what we have – and trust Him for the outcome.
I just ask for the strength and wisdom to do that.