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Monday, September 15, 2008

An Opportunity to Believe

I have a prayer list. Don't we all? Whether written or remembered, we have people and circumstances on our hearts that we bring before the Lord.

It seems that as the years go by, the list not only changes, but deepens. Sometimes it's as though the burdens get heavier. I have witnessed so many situations that have appeared to be hopeless, and yet God moves in such a way as to once again show Himself more mighty than any flaming arrow the enemy can come up with.

There is a wonderful peace in knowing that 'no matter what' may come along, our God is more than able to get us through. He may not take the route we want Him too, but that's His prerogative. He sees the bigger picture. He sees the work that needs to be done, not only in us, but for His glory.

John 11:14-15
14 Then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.

15 And for your sake, I am glad I wasn't there,
because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me.
Come, let's go see him."
NLT

There are a few people on my prayer list today that are facing a mountain. My prayer is first that the mountains would be moved, that they would be released from the trial that is in their path. I'm praying for a miracle for them.

I know that He will take their hand, pull them close and wrap His arms around them. He promised to never leave us or forsake us. If God's will is for them to walk through the fire, as it so often is, they will not do it alone. I pray that they would have peace. I pray that God would be glorified and many would see His hand working in these precious lives.

I pray that those around them would see hope. It is hope that keeps us fighting and hope that keeps us from giving up.

If you are facing a mountain today, trust Him, believe Him, He's right there with you. If you know me at all, you've heard me say it over and over again, He IS faithful.

Don't let your mind worry, just know that He is faithful.

He may just be giving others an opportunity to believe.

15 comments:

concerned parent said...

Amen sister

(P.S. your site is not working in Internet Explorer it is coming up as site meter).

Praise and Coffee said...

Ali,
hmmmm...I wonder why...is anyone else running into this???

I just updated the sitemeter yesterday.

beckyjomama said...

Oh, I needed this this morning. Hubby and I are facing a mountain right now, but we have friends who are facing mountains, canyons and oceans - all at the same time, so we are trying not to complain.
So nice to be reminded that we can bring them all to the foot of the cross - all at the same time.

And that is why I love ya. You are such an encouragement.

XOXOXOXOX
Becky Jo

Anonymous said...

Add me to the "move a mountain" prayer list. I'm "this close" to throwing in the towel. Let down by YET ANOTHER church.

Tired of being in pain.

Sick of watching my best friend suffering from terminal cancer.

Tired of being alone with my illness.

Is it just me or is everyone on the planet too busy to BE the hands and feet of Jesus? I'm so sick of lip service, and then NO action. "I'll be there for you..."

No, you won't.

"I'll come visit you."

No, you didn't.

"I'll call you."

Did you forget?

I know we all have super busy lives. But as someone who has been there over, and over, and over, PLEASE. If you don't mean it, don't say it. Just say nothing, and nothing will be expected of you.

Anonymous said...

Hi again, my name is Holly. I truly need to hear and remember (this is procisely why He asks us to come together once a week)what Jesus has done for mankind and who He is. I enjoy, while trying not to become envieness, of beautiful women like, Sue here, watching (or reading) someone's faith. It is a truly blessed thing to have faith opened up and shown and shared.

It is quite another thing when people let us down. And our church family to boot. It has been hard to keep this is the right perspective. People are fallible, this is envitible. It can be hard to recognize that our infalliblity has nothing to do with God. God is not the one that failed, we did. I am speaking to my own fallible person. I fail myself, my family, friends (I have all of two) and my God continually. I try not to, but I do and feel terrible for it. I haven't found that "magic bullet" yet, except to continue to seek Him and His ways!

I want to grow more like Him for the sake of His children and His kingdom.

Thank you Sue for sharing your faithful perspective ~ it's needed.

Anonymous said...

We serve a BIG GOD! When we look at our circumstances in light of His Power, His Ability, His Creativity it's not long before our mountains become molehills. However, it's fighting through the discouragement, pain, insecurities, etc. that take it's toll on us at times. I'm thankful that there are folks like you out there who take the time to pray!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this great reminder! I see you are a prayer warrior and I was wondering how you organize/manage your prayers? As they pile up I find it hard to not become overwhelmed by it all. Do you have any advice? Thanks.

Praise and Coffee said...

Boy do I wish I felt worthy of that comment, but I don't. I struggle to find the time to pray and always wish I had spent more time praying.

I do not have the kind of life that lends itself to tucking away for any great length of time to pray.

But I do strive to pray continually. I think of it more as staying in communication with God in everthing I do. Again...I strive, I don't always "get there."

I talk to the Lord when I do dishes, when I lay in bed, when I drive...in fact Lauren has been quite perplexed by this one!

Basically when something comes to my mind I bring it to the Lord.
Sometimes all that may come out of my mouth is "thank you Lord for ...." or, "Father touch their lives today."

Not long drawn out prayers, but simple thoughts brought before Him.

Anonymous said...

Hey girls,

After I wrote that post I had to go to hte doctor, and I thought, oh my gosh I hope they don't think I"m slamming on Sue! This comment had nothing to do with Sue in particular, I was talking in general about people who promise to do something for you and then just don't. And sadly enough, many times it's church folk.

So...just wanted to make sure that was clear...

Praise and Coffee said...

Love you Kerri!

Karen Hossink said...

Yes, yes, yes!
I am praying for several dear sisters right now, trusting God's perfect plan and timing - and asking Him to move those mountains.

AND, I just got "approval" to join the Praise and (I won't be drinking) Coffee Night. Yippee!

Looking forward to seeing you in November. *grin*

Praise and Coffee said...

Ysy Karen!!!!

FYI...she'll be bringing copies of her new book too!!

Heather C said...

Amen! Makes me think of a song done years ago by FFH...

"Lord, move in a way that I've never seen before. Cuz there's a mountain in the way, and a lock on the door. I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore... so move... or move me."

He is indeed capable of meeting every need! Hallelujah!

Mary Lou said...

Oh, how my heart breaks for all of these that have posted. Makes my mountains look like molehills. Thank you Sue for this reminder. It is hard to not get weary in praying. I too pray as I go through the day. We do not need to get weary in praying. It is hard work. The adversary does not want us to pray, he knows that there is power in prayer and God truly does inhabit the praises of His people. I find that it helps at times instead of praying about the problem to simply praise Him and get my focus totally on Him and off of the problem.He is far bigger than any problem we will ever face. My heart is heavy right now for a young family and our nation too. He is calling all of us to pray for each other and for our nation. Bless you for all you do for the kingdom of God.

Anonymous said...

Kerri
Didn't think you were slamming Sue. :-)
No worries there.
Holly

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