You Have Not Because You Ask Not

This morning was a running late, burnt eggs, clothes dirty before we even left the house kind of morning.  It was quickly turning into "one of those days".  I knew I had a busy day filled with dentist appointments, grocery shopping and lots of errands.  I got in the car and prayed, "Lord, I'm worn out and it's not even 9AM".  He responded, (not audibly, but in a very clear way), "It's okay... I'm not".  "Okay Lord I'm running on your strength today..."

And I did.  By this afternoon I was feeling somewhat superhuman with everything I had accomplished -- with a smile on my face nonetheless.  A complete 180 from the morning I'd had.  There was most definitely some divine intervention involved.  And although my day was filled with fairly insignificant things (in the grand scheme of things) He was there.  And if He cares about the little things like dentist appointments and grocery shopping, how much more does He care about the big things in our lives.

James 4:2 teaches that we have not because we ask not.  So often I stress over things that I have not even gone to the Lord in prayer about.  The bible says we are to boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), believing that we will receive what we ask (Matthew 21:22).  "God is not offended by our request for supernatural intervention" Beth Moore, Believing God.

But what happens when we ask and we don't feel any divine intervention?  I've definitely been there.  Prayed about something believing completely.  And I waited... and waited... and for some things I am still waiting.  Beth Moore taught me something that absolutely changed my walk entirely.  Through her bible study "Believing God" I learned to trust the Lord completely.  Period.  I trust Him when he answers "Yes".  I trust Him when He answers "No". I trust Him in the good and I trust Him through the bad.  I trust Him completely.  Period.  You see when we pray trusting Him completely we remove any contingency's put on our faith.  We trust that His plans are ALWAYS to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11).  So when we pray and he does answer "No", we trust that His plans are always better than our wildest dreams (Ephesians 3:20).

I was reminded today that so often I face difficult days on my own simply because I haven't asked the Lord for His strength to get me through.

And reminded of the power even a simple prayer makes...

Courageous...

The hubby and I had a date yesterday afternoon while the little man hung out with the grandparents. Our church rented out the theatre for the movie Courageous. I don't think I have ever laughed harder and cried more in a movie than this one! (The hubby's eyes sweated a little too... that's the manly way of saying he got a little teary eyed) It is an amazing movie with such a great message. We rarely go to movies but this is one I would definitely see again!

Seeds of Dreams

Happy New Year!!  I can't even believe how fast 2010 flew by!  I've never been one for New Year's resolutions, but this year I do have a specific prayer for the upcoming year.

I was watching Joyce Meyer the other day on tv (love her!) and she was talking about how every great goal you accomplish in life starts out as an idea you conceive.  This year I'm not setting specific goals, I'm only praying that the Lord would plant seeds of dreams in my heart and mind (and that I would have enough faith to follow them).

I've gone through a bit of an identity crisis this past year trying to figure out how I fit into the role as a stay at home mom.  It's amazing how fast you go from a full-time career - hoping for promotions and raises, to being at home - hoping to conquer the dishes and laundry.

I am truly blessed to have the ability to stay at home with my little man.  I am trusting and praying for God's direction in this new chapter of my life, and praying that this year he would plant seeds of dreams for myself, my family, and my home.  I am super excited for this next year and all that it may bring!

Proverbs 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.