Answered Prayers! (Jesus Calling)

Today's post is from Jesus Calling from January 9th. 

I have mentioned before how I am a planner,  I like things to be organized and know what's going on especially when it pertains to my life and my family. 

All along this journeyI have prayed that we would be obedient to whatever and wherever God calls us to.  That we would know if and when He was calling us to move on to other area's of ministry.  Right around this time (the beginning of this year) I was trying to help the kids with plans for summer, classes next year etc... and really felt like we were in a holding pattern just waiting.  And I am willing to wait until Gods timeing is perfect, thankfully God knows my heart and He answers when we call out.  And that's what I began doing.  I prayed that we would know with out a doubt soon (by the end of that week) if God was calling us to move on.  And He answered me on January 9th.  After reading this days devotion I knew God heard me. 

Jesus Calling(1/9):  I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged—never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.

Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come.

If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment.

“For nothing is impossible with God.” -LUKE 1:37

Father God thank you for going before me and making my path clear.  Thank you for answered prayers and comfort while we wait for those unanswered ones.  I pray that we will be obedient to what and where you are calling us.  And that our eyes, ears, and hearts will be open to see, hear, and know you are near to us. 

Catching Up... Jesus Calling

Last year I read through the bible, and for the most part didn't get to far behind.  When I did I always found the time to get caught up.  (Thank You Jesus)  This year I am going to be doing/have been daily reading the devotional book by Sarah Young Jesus Calling.  I received this book last year as a gift from a friend and love it!  I would recommend it to anyone!  Each day I read the devotion and then the scripture that goes along with it.  I have been journaling the thoughts and prayers that I have as a result of what I read that day.  I hope to share a few of those over this next week, and today is no exception:  On 12/30/12 I wrote this:

From Jesus Calling  I am leading you along a way that is uniquely right for you.  The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self-the one I designed you to be. 

For we are God's Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10 (My Life Verse)

Dear Friends let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is Love.  1 John 4:7-8

Father I may not always understand why or how you are at work, but I trust that you are and that you are with me through each and every obstacle.  Lord I want to be obedient to your calling on my life and become who you've created me to be .  Help me Lord to love others in-spite of our differences and to be a light to those around us.  Lord I pray that I'll be worthy of your calling.  Help me to remember your calling on my life. Your Love for me so that I may love others with the same compassion and forgiveness that you've shown me.   Amen


When I wrote this I was (and still am) seeking what God was calling me specifically and us as a family to be doing ministry wise.  This past year has been a difficult one spiritually.  I have never felt like I have had so many moments in the valley, and so few mountain top moments in such a short time.  I had wanted to quit and runaway more than once, but God wouldn't allow it!  You see He knows better than me, He can see the final picture when I get stuck on the day to day.  And Thank God for that!  If I were in charge of my own life I would hideaway when things got difficult, and maybe even run away, instead God asked me to stand firm holding on to His truths, and to depend on His  power.  When I do this my doubts fall away and I feel like I can keep on going.  I know I am slowly becoming more of the woman God has called me to be, not through my own strength or power but only through God.  So that is my prayer today that I will be obedient to what God is calling me to do and that I will do it with a joyful heart.  Than You Lord for not giving up on me, for Loving me, and showing me what Love is!

Christina

DRAFT...

James 1:2-5, 12 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

This Blog post has been a draft for far to long.  I get busy and have great intentions of blogging but things happen, life gets busy and for whatever reason other things take my time and blogging gets pushed aside for a while.  I want to be better about blogging because I really do believe that I am not the only one who struggles with or feel like I do sometimes.  And if my struggles and seeing God work through them can be an encouragement to one person then it is worth it.

I honestly believe that the times we struggle and have kept our eye on Jesus it's not a punishment but rather an opportunity for growth for us and even those around us.  A chance for our endurance to grow, and our faith to grow.  It's an time to call out cry out to God and wait patiently and listen for His response.  And I know that some day I will see what the struggle was for.

Thank Father for your truth and love and for never leaving me alone.  Thank you for the times of struggle, and growth, and for the endurance to make it through those times.

Christina