Trusting God. I had someone tell me this week, that they don’t trust God. That really threw me for a bit of a loop. You don’t trust God? But then, I remembered that there was a time, where I didn’t trust Him either. For that matter, I went through years of my life, with my back turned – not even believing in Him. Guess, the only reason it took me by surprise was because I trust Him so implicitly now, that the concept seemed foreign.

I reached out to this person, later in the week, and shared one of my trust building exercises that I did to learn how to trust God. Because, for me, that’s kinda what you have to do. It’s a relationship, a very difficult one at that, to get started. Because your relationship is with someone you can’t see or hear, but you can feel. And, you can see the evidence of, but not actually see God. When you think about it that way, it really makes a lot of sense, that it’s hard to trust God, because in order to trust Him, you have to have a relationship. And the relationship you build with God, isn’t going to be like any other for many reasons, but if not, solely for the fact that you can’t interact with Him like you do anyone else. And, that is a hard relationship to build on, when you’re getting started at least.

So, way back when, God and I did trust building exercises. I made the conscious effort to pray as much as possible, (like once a day), but then I would remember what I prayed for. And, I would continue to pray for my list of things, every time, until they got answered. Then – when I would get an answer, I would write it down on a slip of paper, and put it in my prayer box *pictured above*. (I decorated a shadow box, but really you could use a shoebox, a mason jar, whatever container you like.) And, it didn’t have to be long or anything. I prayed for “Jamie’s job opportunity” or “healing for Linda”. But once the prayer was answered, it was written down, and put in the box. Next thing I knew, the box was so full, that I needed to empty it! I wanted to continue to keep my answered prayers, so I also bought one of those film sheet photo albums, and laid the answered prayers in there. Then, started the process all over again. I now have quite the collection of answered prayers, which is fun and neat to share. Look at all the time’s #Godshowedup! But, really, in retrospect, it was a trust building exercise. I’m sure there are plenty of ways to learn how to trust God, but I really enjoyed mine that gave me actual physical evidence that God was working on me, and cared about me. That we were in this relationship together. I wasn’t testing Him, I was giving myself actual, viable proof that He was doing exactly what He said He would.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

1 John 5:14-15

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Psalm 37:4-5

But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

Micah 7:7

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Psalm 50:15

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

Jeremiah 29:12

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for everything. Thank you for your Good Words. Thank you for showing up! For giving us an incredible opportunity to have a relationship with you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. For continuing to be there for us, to help us along the way. Thank you for answered prayers Father. That you bless us Father, each and every day. That You are always working in our lives. That You care about each and every one of us. Words cannot express my appreciation for you. How much my soul rejoices to be in this relationship with you. The gratitude I have that you are my salvation, and my rock, and my shield, and my comforter, my Father, and friend. Thank you for blessing me Father, all the days of my life. IN JESUS’ NAME!! AMEN!!

Mission’s Circle

What better mission to focus on this week, than the Gideon’s. You know those Bibles you find in your hotel room? The Gideon’s make that happen. The Gideon’s number one request of their sponsors, is prayer. You can join and receive a daily prayer guide.

Part of their mission statement:

“We exist as an advocate for the lost, to bring them the saving knowledge of the Word through not only placing and distributing Scriptures, but also through personal witnessing and by associating together for service. As a united force for the Gospel, we remain rooted in tradition, but we operate under the firm belief that anyone can be a valuable asset to this invaluable cause. We provide many opportunities to partner with us through either prayer or financial support. Join us, and let’s spread the Good News.”

Check them out here

Become a prayer partner here

“Make a plan, then go with the flow.” – Pastor Dave Kaufman

“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” – Pastor Dave Kaufman

Both of these statements have had a profound impact on me. I heard them quite some time ago during a sermon about financial responsibility, but really they apply to most things in life. They have also helped me accept change so much. I used to be someone who was completely “put out” when someone messed with my plans. But, now, that seems to be the constant state. My life has become this ever-evolving state of “making a plan, then going with the flow.” And, really, the Bible, is almost nothing but examples of how people had a plan, then ended up going with the flow, either willingly or after repeatedly kicking against the goads.

Sarah and Abraham

Joseph (and the coat of many colors)

Elijah

Job

The Apostles (particularly Peter)

Jesus

All sorts of people that had lives heading in a particular direction that they had planned out for themselves, and then having to adapt to a hard left turn, or several turns. One of the many things, I have brought out of this concept of making a plan, and going with the flow, is the simple fact that understanding that the chances of the plan going my way is less than likely, has made me incredibly willing to accept change. And, the ability to understand that and to know that at any moment the plan will change, has also given me a certain peace. That supernatural peace that surpasses understanding. This ability to shuck off the yoke of worry about tomorrow, tonight, 3 weeks from now.

If I have gained anything in the most recent years, it has been that I have no idea what’s going to happen next, and there is absolutely no way to prepare for it, except to make a plan, and go with the flow. And, the making a plan part, is still critically important. You still have to have a general heading, an intended direction. Otherwise, it’s like you’re going along and you get thrown in a deep pool… you still have to know which way is up. Whether it brings you to the other side of the pool, or just above the place where you went in. And, God is like your lifeguard. You have to be willing to let Him help you navigate your way out. <– That thought reminds me of lifeguard training. They actually teach lifeguards how to grab someone in a rescue situation, because, they state – you are going to have some people who are panicking so much that they will endanger your life while you are trying to save them. God knows how to hold onto you, whether you are being cooperative or flailing about hysterical.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for your supernatural wisdom. For your amazing grace to us, and our situations. That You, Father, are our lifeguard. That you hold onto us, and protect us from harm. That you bless us in all that we do. That You, are the good, good Father who reaches out and lifts us up with your mighty right hand. Thank you for your guidance Father, that You have given us Your Word filled with examples of people who plan, adapt, and overcome. That we are sided with You, Father, the great Overcomer! The Victor, in all things. That we may join with you, Father, in each day, through each trial, through each plan and come out on the other side, exactly where we need to be. Thank You Father, for your many blessings, that you guide us and protect us, each step along the way. Thank You for all that You are, and all that You would have us be. IN JESUS’ NAME!! AMEN!!

You know, if there’s one thing I’ve learned through my most recent experiences, it’s been, that having a personal relationship with God – is what you need the most. You can’t count on being able to go to church, you can’t count on being around other believers to lift you up, you can’t count on having someone else help fill you up. You have to learn how to have the personal connection with God, in order to keep yourself going. And, when you’re down and out and you don’t know what to do, you’re not always going to be able to reach out to someone for direction. Especially, when you don’t really know what’s wrong with you. The Father knows His children. He knows just what you need. And, He will provide.

These past several months, I haven’t been attending church because of the coronavirus. I was able to attend Bible Study because we got it set up online. I was still in contact with other believers throughout the time, but not nearly like it was before. And what really helped me through all of this, and ultimately what helped lead me out of being burnt, was prayer.

What helped me when my back was injured. Prayer.

What helped me through the Year of Great Loss. Prayer.

What helped me when I was working two jobs and couldn’t make ends meet. Prayer.

What helped me get through sickness. Prayer.

What helped me get through months of isolation. Prayer.

That personal time with God. Talking to the Father. Prayer is the key. The key that unlocks so many things. That helps us tap into the Father, tap into ourselves. Helps bring the Father’s kingdom to earth. Manifesting His will among us and in our lives and in other’s lives. I cannot emphasize it enough. I really enjoyed a post I did a while back on Prayer, so I’m going to leave you with that today, and some links to all the other ones I’ve done on Prayer. I hope it helps. I hope it heals. I hope it helps you move forward in your faith and have a deeper relationship with the Father.

Prayer Life

Salvation

Praying Through

God answers prayer

Battle!

Prayer

Prayer (continued)

The Long Game

Speak Life

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day, and all the days. Thank you that you sent Your Son so that we may have a personal relationship with you. That we may talk to you anytime and all the time. Thank you for blessings us now and forever after with all the many blessings that you have for us. That you guide us and watch over us Father. That you keep your Word and that we may keep Your Word in our hearts that we may know your truth. Thank You Father that you have given us one of the most powerful tools there is, the ability to talk directly to You, anytime, anyplace. That we may grow deeper in our connection with You Father. That we may know you, on the deepest level. That we may help manifest Your Word and Your Will here on Earth, through the mighty power of prayer. That you may know us Father and guide us according to your will. That you may forever change our lives for the better, and that others may know you through us. Thank you for all that You have done, and all that You will have us do. IN JESUS’ NAME!! AMEN!!