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My question is: Is there a way to find out if God supports a certain request we are praying for? What if the thing we are praying for is not mentioned in the bible? I know usually you would check your request against God's word in the bible, but if what I'm praying for has never been mentioned in the bible, how can I find out if God would support my request?
The request that I'm asking God for is rather odd: cosmetic surgery. For years I've suffered from low self esteem and had to endure taunting from others due to a particular physical flaw of mine. I've always felt that if I could just get this cosmetic procedure I would have more confidence and self esteem. This is something I've thought about for eight years. Because cosmetic surgery is a big and expensive decision, decided to pray to God, asking him for the smartest and most economical way to acquire this procedure. But due to the nature of the request, I have never been able to have faith that God would fulfill it for me. I'm basicly asking God to help me change something he gave me, and I worry that although my motives are good and I'm not doing this for the wrong reason, he would be angered by my asking. So, I've been plagued with doubts that I'll ever recieve an answer. I know that it would change my life for the better if God answered my prayer, but cosmetic surgery was non-existent at the time of the bible, so I have no way of knowing how God feels about what I'm asking.
If I'm asking this for the right reasons, and I know it would make me happier, do you think God would support my request and want to help me?
Is there something wrong with this type of request?
How can I know if God would be willing to help me?
Any answer or advice you could give me would be a tremendous help, because I am completely lost and confused with this issue. I know you must get tons of e-mails, but if you have time, please reply to me. I don't know where else to find these answers.
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I have learned in my life that Heavenly Father hears and answers sincere prayers. These prayers are typically very personal as is the prayer you are proposing. Let me ask you a question. What if you were born with a deformity or birth mark? Would you not agree that you should do everything within your capacity to correct it, to optimize your life, to do all you can to be happy? I believe that God has given us the capability to create medical techniques that can improve our prospects of full and happy lives and I cannot imagine that a loving Heavenly Father would not support his daughter in this quest.
The Bible was written a few thousand years ago and that is why we believe it is so necessary to have apostles and prophets who receive revelation and guidance from the Lord concerning current problems and issues. I can tell you that there is nothing of which I am aware either in ancient scripture or modern day revelation that would prohibit you from doing what you can to improve your life and feel good about yourself.
If you feel you should get permission and/or help from God in this decision, I would suggest you fast a day and then pray and then be sensitive to your feelings. The Spirit can speak to us through thoughts and feelings. Go by your feelings after you have prayed sincerely about your decision.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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