It’s been two weeks into this monumental goal of completing my first draft by the end of October. And I’m already struggling . . . Any strugglers out there?
I enjoy this journey of walking down streets of the past, but it’s still difficult and emotional and takes a lot of energy.
My Friday writing time was spent at a seminar benefiting many of my current freelance projects. To make up that time, I’ve been writing most of the weekend and still hoping to complete chapter five today before the work week begins tomorrow.
As I write these chapters about leaving Colorado to move back to Indiana, raising financial support and the uncertainties of being sick, I see a pattern in God’s pursuit. Conversations with Him deepen through these chapters. Why? The circumstances became more desperate.
I don’t know where you are today. Do you find yourself in a desperate place? Or maybe a comfy place? What do your conversations with God look like?
Currently, there is a lot of discussion about prayer. With the recent War Room movie surprising the Hollywood box office, this has become a hot topic. Why should we pray? Does prayer really make a difference? I resonate with the ultimate message of this movie — victory doesn’t happen by accident. If we don’t have a strategy in how we pray, and how we use God’s Truth in prayer, then we may not even be aiming in the right direction.
“Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT).
“The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, NLT).
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6, NLT).
How do we labor our days prayer?
1.Recognize that prayer is about conversation. These conversations with God aren’t ultimately about getting from God what we want, but allowing Him to change us as we seek Him. Sometimes He doesn’t give us what we want, but that doesn’t change Who He is. ”
2. Use the Bible. This verse has shown up again and again in my journals as I prepare to write these chapters and put myself back in my own shoes almost seven years ago.
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world” (James 4:7-8, NLT)
Sometimes I approach God too casually. I have to keep in mind HE is God. The Creator of the universe. He put Pike’s Peak right where it is. He can hold oceans in His hands.
When I use scripture to pray, I’m aligning myself with His HUGE heart. He wants me to pray for humility, strength against temptation, purity and an undivided heart.
3. Ask God questions and then stop talking. Let’s ask God today, how can we work with You? How can we pray whether we’re in a desperate situation or not, that is more about Who You are than what we want? What’s on Your heart, God?
4. Look beyond ourselves. There is so much going on in this world, outside of our own homes. So much brokenness. Prayer is the first and most important step. But it doesn’t end there. Prayer should lead us closer to God’s heart. It should lead us toward knowing how to respond and what to do next depending on the situation.
If there is anything I’ve learned from writing this part of my story is that I have such a tendency to be self-absorbed. I become consumed with my own story. God prompts me to stop and look beyond the story of me and see His story. In the process and frustration of raising enough funds to get back to Austria. God reminded me, Krishana, I love Austria and the people who live there even more than you do.
It’s easy to think our prayers won’t make a difference. But that’s the catch. They actually do. There are so many lives and situations that can attest to that, myself included.
Today, let’s grab a hold of at least one situation beyond ourselves. And seek God’s heart and guidance in what to do next.
Happy Labor Day!! Until next Monday!
Sneak peek at chapter 4:
One by one, the families or individuals who also participated with me in this GEM orientation raised their support and headed to the field. As each family or person took those next steps, I found myself discouraged and even questioning God’s direction.
You really want me in Austria? Are You sure? Because I’m not sure where this money is gonna come from. God, I feel like I’ve met with everyone I know in this town and then some. What now? I don’t even know what to say or how to pray anymore. Why won’t You move this financial mountain and get me back to Austria? Isn’t that where You want me? What is Your greater Yes in this situation? I don’t understand!
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