Prayer Changes Things!

As I pondered that question, God has seemed to show me “my progression”.  Kind of like that show “This is Your Life”.  A walk down Memory Lane of sorts.  I have been a believer for a long time.  I often pray in the morning, before my eyes are even open and my feet have touched the ground. But it didn’t happen all at once for me. I didn’t wake up one day, with this complete reverence and awe for my Lord and Savior. I didn’t naturally set “my agenda” aside and ask Him what He had planned for my life for the next 16 to 18 hours before I went to bed again. 

When I look back over the last few years, it’s been like this for me…………………………….

Wake up.  Move as fast as possible.  Create beautifully detailed lists of things-to-do.  Work meticulously to “line” everything up for me and my family.  Accomplish as much as possible (despite the cost).  Become increasingly frustrated when “things” don’t turn out as I had “planned”.  Find fault with others.  Look for someone or something to blame.  Occasionally see God and thank Him for something going “right” that day.  Fall into bed exhausted.  Somewhat unsatisfied and discontent.  Focus on what I did not accomplish that day.  And basically, start out all over again the next morning. 

God gradually increased my appetite for Him and His Word.  He was kind enough to show me and my family a local church where we could get plugged into.  Slowly I started to take classes and meet other women. Some like me, some pretty different from me.  Without me really knowing it, He brought mentors into my life to serve as role models and examples.  I had used my bible before, but mostly to do my homework for the classes I would take.  I would always pray, but they often centered on what I wanted God to do for me.  I still made endless lists and had grand ideas about what I could accomplish (almost like a game or something).  I learned more and more who this God was that I had surrendered my life to.  If He was the Creator of Life, if He could raise the dead, if His Holy Spirit lived inside of me, then couldn’t He manage the affairs of my “little life”?  Really?

Over time, the Lord has helped me to get up before my children rise for the day.  He has given me tools in daily devotionals and study guides.  He has provided me with a new bible that has a commentary, an explanation of the context of when the passage was written and how it might be applied in today’s culture.  I journal.  I write in my spiral notebook all the time. Sometimes it’s pages upon pages. And sometimes it’s just a phrase or an idea I hear.  I pray.  And I listen. And I ask God for His divine Hand to be on my life and the lives of my family.  And although I still race around and still love to get a lot done, I am more aware that the changes and interruptions that come into my life are by His divine appointment.  He knows better than me.

And so when I come to the question, What can I do for you today, God?  I am moving from my selfish preoccupations, limited understanding and I am surrendering my day to Him.  The One who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving.  How could my efforts or abilities come even close to that?  He is helping me to have a more accurate estimation of myself and my abilities. You see, I need God every single day.
“For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you:  Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”  Romans 12:3 [+/-]Romans 12:3 [3]For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (ESV)

When I ask WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU TODAY GOD?  I am reminded that…………………

I am not God.

I am powerless to control my tendency to do wrong things.

My life is unmanageable without God.

God exists.

I matter to Him.

He has the power to heal me. 

I choose to commit my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

I confess my sins and short-comings to myself, to God and to people I trust.

I voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life. 

I humbly ask Him to remove any character defects.

I evaluate all my relationships and offer forgiveness to those I have hurt. 

I reserve daily time with God.

I yield myself to God to be used to bring His Good News to others both by my example as well as by my words. 

“All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us.  He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 [+/-]2 Corinthians 1:3-4 [3]Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, [4]who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (ESV)

I am praying for you and your families.  May you be encouraged and strengthened to ask God…………..What can I do for you today?  I trust that He has amazing and wonderful things to show you. What a joy it is to serve and grow along side of you. 

May God bless you richly and completely. 

Lovingly, Kris