Wait...God DOESN'T Need My Help?!

As a prayer continues over time without an answer, it is very tempting to take matters into your own hands and answer it yourself. I think it is even more tempting to do this when you've been clearly shown by God He is going to grant this thing you've requested.
     I've been reading about the patriarchs these past few weeks. Their stories are quite amazing. Time and again God drew my attention to someone in each of their families who took matters into their own hands because God wasn't moving fast enough. Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham, who had a child with her, heartache and a family feud resulted. Rebekah deceived Isaac into blessing Jacob, a lost son was the result. Rachel gave her handmaid to Jacob to father children by and a bitter rivalry occurred. Difficult things result when we try to answer our own prayers or fulfill God's promises.
     Something else God pointed out to me was the fact that, despite the 'help' and the resulting messes, God still fulfilled His original promise to each family. God will work His plan, but at what cost? What blessings do I rob myself of because I couldn't wait for God to answer?
     Six months seems an eternity to be praying to meet Tebow and it's easy to think that maybe God has forgotten or changed His mind. It's frustrating to have to wait and not see any visible indication that God is working. I, too, could 'help' God out. I could find ways of trying to get Tebow's attention, and I think God would still come through on His promises, but I would always wonder what it was I missed out on, what God was unable to do because I butted in.
     If you have been praying for something over a long period of time, take heart, God hasn't forgotten. He will do as He promised...Isaac was born, Jacob received the blessing and Rachel had two sons...just be careful not to rob yourself of any blessing God has planned because you thought God needed help.