iShineInMinistry

Matthew 7:7-9 (ESV)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Are you a patient person? Do you wait nicely (that’s what I used to tell toddlers in Children’s Ministry) and remain faithful in prayer until God shows you the plan? Or, are you a “one and done” kind of girl that prays fervently one time and then waits for God grant you the desires of your heart? I have to be honest with you…I’m a little bit of both depending on the situation. Some days, I am all about the “keep asking, keep seeking and keep knocking” exhortation given in the above scripture. Then other times, I’m just like, “Maybe I don’t really want that!” and stop the whole process for a season, only to realize that I did want what I was praying for…then start this little cycle all over again.

Here are a couple of things I would like to encourage each of us with as we continue to pray for _____ (fill in your blank as needed):

Be Consistent and Devoted – Sometimes (most times) things don’t just happen overnight. We have to let all the pieces fall into place, let our character grow and allow lessons to be learned as we start the race that we want to run with endurance. When you are trying to find a job, you don’t just send out one resume and wait until you get that ONE job…you are persistent and dedicated to making life happen. Why not be that way with your prayer life too?

Realize Your Desire May Change – There is a possibility that God is using this exercise in persistence to redirect your desires to His will for your life. While you may be asking to become a missionary in Southeast Asia, He may be prepping you to become a wife in Wisconsin. The possibilities are endless and as we pray, we will surrender to the Lord and then things will start to line up according to His plan and purpose.

Keep going and keep lifting your requests up to the Lord; He is the God who sees and HEARS what you are asking for. Let Him lead the way and then let Him give the answer (even if in your mind it doesn’t look like an answer). Give all to Him and see how much more joyful life can be (for you and me)!

Have a blessed week as you live #TheCharmedLife