First World Problems

Ever heard the expression “First World Problems”? These are frustrations and complaints only made by privileged people living in wealthy countries. They would include things such as “My car’s heated seats are making my back sweat!” or “I cracked the screen on my iPhone 5 and have to go back to using my lame iPhone 4.” Along the same lines, a couple of summers ago, our air conditioner went out. It was really hot INSIDE our house. The only possible upside to this situation was that when we bought our air conditioner, we shelled out a little extra for the extended protection agreement, so we knew we wouldn’t have to pay for any repairs. Problem is we could ONLY use Sears to fix it, and the earliest time they could get out there was one week from the day I called. ONE WEEK. Seven days. An eternity.

On the first night of this disaster, our thermostat climbed to 86 degrees. As I lay in bed, I began praying, as I always do at bedtime, and I found myself praying for cooler weather - for a cancellation to move my service appointment up a few days - for ANYTHING to make my life easier. And it occurred to me - how often do I pray this selfish prayer?

We Christians like to remind each other that God cares about the things that we care about. This may be true, but I think we may have warped God’s feelings of care into believing that He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable.

God never promised us an easy life. He promised His love, His presence, His guidance - NOT a carefree existence. I believe that wholeheartedly, and I remind my kids of it all the time. So here’s the kicker - Why do so many of my prayers involve me asking God to make things easier or more comfortable for me? Whether we’re upset about having no air conditioning or a cracked $700 phone or other “First World Problems,” or if it’s something that IS a crisis - something like Cancer, heartbreak or grief. How often do we find ourselves asking God to make our lives easier?

I don’t think that’s God’s job.

He is our heavenly Father - our parent. In my role as a mother, should I do my best to make sure things are as easy and comfortable for my kids as possible? Heaven for-bid! What lazy, spoiled children I would raise if that were my goal!

When Jesus models prayer, he doesn’t ask for God to make the wind ease up so his feet won’t get quite so dusty. He asks for his daily bread - He asks for enough. Even when faced with the very real crisis of an agonizing death on the cross, after asking for the cup to pass from Him, Jesus quickly adds the disclaimer, “Yet not my will, but yours be done.” He doesn’t beg God for a more comfortable end - because that’s not God’s job.

The next time you find yourself seeking God’s help in the face of adversity - whether real or imagined - take a second to think about what, exactly, you are praying for.

Alison Wellborn

Abilene, Texas