Robbing God of His glory

In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ” 
And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. And the rest fled into the city of Aphek, and the wall fell upon 27,000 men who were left. Ben-hadad also fled and entered an inner chamber in the city. (1 Kings 20:26–30)

At times I’ve prayed for something that seemed impossible and God surprised me by granting my prayer. He also attaches an obedience to the answer, generally to tell the story with praise for Him. However, if I somehow use the answered prayer to say “Look at me” in any way, then He may withdraw the glory of it in someway. He did this with Ahab. Instead of letting the defeat show the power of God to Syria. . . .  

Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities that my father took from your father I will restore, and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” And Ahab said, “I will let you go on these terms.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go. (1 Kings 20:34)

Ahab compromised with the enemy. Closer to home, I can do the same thing by taking credit for God's surprises (as if I deserved them) instead of letting others see that He is the Lord.
As for Ahab, God sent a prophet who said to him:

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’ 
At that, Ahab should have repented for his sin but instead her “went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.” (1 Kings 20:41–43)

My old nature can do that too — be annoyed that I get no glory for my praying, or for any other obedience. How silly. Apart from the Lord there would be no praying, no obedience. A quick search tells me several reasons, one is that I so quickly forget that glorifying God is for my joy and satisfaction too. My easily distracted mind plus lingering pride wants to be in charge, to do things that make me feel good. That old nature defies what God wants from me. I can sing that I want to be like Jesus and then wonder if I really do — or would I rather do what I want to do? Being so easily distracted does not help, nor does knowing I cannot overcome the obstacles by myself.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12–13)

Far too often, work is the word for obedience, and the pressure of aging and many new challenges often dampen the pleasures once enjoyed

Jesus, You know my heart and as You test my faith, I must trust You for the will and the power to pass the tests — even when my head aches, my mind wanders, life is full of distractions, and I’d rather do something else but talk to You.