By Rebecca Bogle
Boy, has my life changed in the last few years! I was first a friend, then became a stepmother to my little girl, Lydia. Never in my life would I have seen myself raising a child that wasn’t my own.
It’s funny how God works sometimes!
I’ve been married for a year-and-a-half, and I am still learning to “mother.” I’m sure it’s not easy for anyone to be a mother, but sometimes I wish children came with an “Easy Button!” Regardless of the stress that comes with “mothering,” I would not trade it for the world. I’ve experienced her first days of learning to swim on her own, watched and helped as she memorized her Bible verses and looked on as she rode the swings at a carnival for the first time. She loves the swings! On the other hand, I’ve also experienced her being sick, fussy and talking back. (Already!) We’ve had good times and bad times, but that’s life, right?
I pray for Lydia daily. I pray that she would be kept safe at school and that her day would go well. I pray that Jesus’ light would shine through her to those around her. I also pray that she grows up to be a good girl, a prayer that I’ve picked up from her dad. Praying for these things puts a great responsibility upon my shoulders. Without a good example to follow, how will she ever be a good girl? When I think of that, I begin to pray for good mothering skills. I ask God to show me how to be a good mom and that He would help me provide the right answers to Lydia’s questions, regardless of how serious or silly they may be. I pray that she would grow closer to Christ, just as I grow closer to Him.
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, NKJV). This applies to moms, too!
I try my best to be a good example for Lydia to live by. I’ll also admit I’ve asked several times why God chose me to be that example for her. Every night we snuggle up in bed and read a story together; as I tuck her in, she takes my hand and begins to pray. It is at that moment that I begin to see how great a gift it is to be a mother!
I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Equipped to Fight . . . and Win!
By Rene Shute
Thank God! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).
As moms, we are acutely aware that the enemy of the souls of our children “walketh about seeking whom he may devour;” seeking to steal the lambs from the fold. But we are NOT ignorant of Satan’s devices, so we keep the weapons of our warfare in constant use. With our sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we go to war praying THE WORD over our children; and speaking those precious promises as reality in their lives at that very moment. We are indeed calling those things which be not, as though they were.
Moms, pray such promises as:
“The Lord shall give His angels charge over (name your children), to keep them in all their way . . . a hedge of protection is built about them to keep them from harm . . . the Lord will never leave them nor forsake them . . . He is their ever present help in time of trouble . . . He will calm the troubled waters of their souls. The Lord is leading them in the path of righteousness . . . they are following, in Jesus Name! His blood covers them . . . His banner over them is love . . . His word is a light on their pathway, a lamp unto their feet. They shall run the race of life and not be weary . . . they shall mount up with wings as eagles, rising victoriously above the evil spirits that would hinder their spiritual and emotional stability. I know in whom I believe and am persuaded that He is able to keep (name children) whom I am committing into His hands today.” My children walk in safety and victory… IN THE ALMIGHTY NAME OF JESUS! Amen.
Thank God! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).
As moms, we are acutely aware that the enemy of the souls of our children “walketh about seeking whom he may devour;” seeking to steal the lambs from the fold. But we are NOT ignorant of Satan’s devices, so we keep the weapons of our warfare in constant use. With our sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we go to war praying THE WORD over our children; and speaking those precious promises as reality in their lives at that very moment. We are indeed calling those things which be not, as though they were.
Moms, pray such promises as:
“The Lord shall give His angels charge over (name your children), to keep them in all their way . . . a hedge of protection is built about them to keep them from harm . . . the Lord will never leave them nor forsake them . . . He is their ever present help in time of trouble . . . He will calm the troubled waters of their souls. The Lord is leading them in the path of righteousness . . . they are following, in Jesus Name! His blood covers them . . . His banner over them is love . . . His word is a light on their pathway, a lamp unto their feet. They shall run the race of life and not be weary . . . they shall mount up with wings as eagles, rising victoriously above the evil spirits that would hinder their spiritual and emotional stability. I know in whom I believe and am persuaded that He is able to keep (name children) whom I am committing into His hands today.” My children walk in safety and victory… IN THE ALMIGHTY NAME OF JESUS! Amen.
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Mom's Prayer
By Jo Ann Hutsell
Psalms 116:1-2
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live (KJV).
We live in hard times, but sometimes the hardest thing to do is just pray.
When our first son was born, I used to rock him in a squeaky old rocker. Long after he had gone to sleep, I would still be holding him, rocking and singing. I would sometimes pray into the night for the tiny life I held in my arms. Our friends and family told me I would be sorry, but I don’t regret one moment of lost sleep. He is now over six feet tall and far too big to fit in my arms! Yet I still hold him in my heart and sometimes pray far into the night for him and his brother.
Intercession is something we can’t take lightly; we must pray without ceasing.
If there is one thing this life has taught me, it is that I can’t wait until the midst of a crisis to begin praying. I don’t always know how to pray for my children and grandchildren. At those times, I just have to do like the disciples did and ask Jesus to teach me to pray as I ought. I didn’t make all of the right decisions and choices when my boys were growing into men, but my choice to pray for them was always right.
Psalms 116:1-2
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live (KJV).
We live in hard times, but sometimes the hardest thing to do is just pray.
When our first son was born, I used to rock him in a squeaky old rocker. Long after he had gone to sleep, I would still be holding him, rocking and singing. I would sometimes pray into the night for the tiny life I held in my arms. Our friends and family told me I would be sorry, but I don’t regret one moment of lost sleep. He is now over six feet tall and far too big to fit in my arms! Yet I still hold him in my heart and sometimes pray far into the night for him and his brother.
Intercession is something we can’t take lightly; we must pray without ceasing.
If there is one thing this life has taught me, it is that I can’t wait until the midst of a crisis to begin praying. I don’t always know how to pray for my children and grandchildren. At those times, I just have to do like the disciples did and ask Jesus to teach me to pray as I ought. I didn’t make all of the right decisions and choices when my boys were growing into men, but my choice to pray for them was always right.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Commended for Devotion, Part Two
By Peggy Allen
Luke 10:38-42
38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Two Sisters/Two Personalities
Mary and Martha are representative of two kinds of personalities or mindsets. Gary Chapman has come up with a popular way of knowing how to say I love you in a way that the recipient can best receive the message. It is called the Five Love Languages. These languages are listed as “Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.” The idea is to show love to others in the way that most pleases the recipient. Those who have not learned otherwise, however, will most likely give love in the way that most pleases themselves.
Mary’s personality was totally different from her sister’s. Although she was not one to avoid work and service, her disposition led her to show love to others by giving quality time. Jesus had come into her home and he would only be there for a short time. He had important things to say and she didn’t want to miss a word. Because she loved Jesus so much, eating was the last thing on her mind. She probably realized that Martha’s love language was serving, so she turned that over to her.
Blessed to Love
While it is apparent that Mary’s love language is giving and receiving quality time, her love language could also include “words of affirmation.” She not only enjoyed the encouraging words Jesus spoke, but without a doubt she communicated her love to Jesus through her words, as well. But then, we are reminded of yet another dimension of Mary’s capacity to show love. John 12:1-3 tells about an incident that took place six days before the Passover, just prior to Jesus’ death. Jesus had been invited for a supper and, as usual, Martha served. But Mary took “a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” Two new love languages seem to be surfacing here—physical touch and the giving of gifts.
How many truly important things are missed in life because we are so focused on responsibilities rather than relationships. While Jesus was thankful for Martha’s love language gift, Mary’s devotion revealed a desire to know Him in a deeper way, for which He commended her. Knowing Jesus more deeply can only come by spending time in His presence. Service is important, but sitting at His feet is necessary.
Luke 10:38-42
38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Two Sisters/Two Personalities
Mary and Martha are representative of two kinds of personalities or mindsets. Gary Chapman has come up with a popular way of knowing how to say I love you in a way that the recipient can best receive the message. It is called the Five Love Languages. These languages are listed as “Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.” The idea is to show love to others in the way that most pleases the recipient. Those who have not learned otherwise, however, will most likely give love in the way that most pleases themselves.
Mary’s personality was totally different from her sister’s. Although she was not one to avoid work and service, her disposition led her to show love to others by giving quality time. Jesus had come into her home and he would only be there for a short time. He had important things to say and she didn’t want to miss a word. Because she loved Jesus so much, eating was the last thing on her mind. She probably realized that Martha’s love language was serving, so she turned that over to her.
Blessed to Love
While it is apparent that Mary’s love language is giving and receiving quality time, her love language could also include “words of affirmation.” She not only enjoyed the encouraging words Jesus spoke, but without a doubt she communicated her love to Jesus through her words, as well. But then, we are reminded of yet another dimension of Mary’s capacity to show love. John 12:1-3 tells about an incident that took place six days before the Passover, just prior to Jesus’ death. Jesus had been invited for a supper and, as usual, Martha served. But Mary took “a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” Two new love languages seem to be surfacing here—physical touch and the giving of gifts.
How many truly important things are missed in life because we are so focused on responsibilities rather than relationships. While Jesus was thankful for Martha’s love language gift, Mary’s devotion revealed a desire to know Him in a deeper way, for which He commended her. Knowing Jesus more deeply can only come by spending time in His presence. Service is important, but sitting at His feet is necessary.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Commended for Devotion, Part One
By Peggy Allen
Luke 10:38-42
38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Two Sisters/Two Personalities
Mary and Martha are representative of two kinds of personalities or mindsets. Gary Chapman has come up with a popular way of knowing how to say I love you in a way that the recipient can best receive the message. It is called the Five Love Languages. These languages are listed as “Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.” The idea is to show love to others in the way that most pleases the recipient. Those who have not learned otherwise, however, will most likely give love in the way that most pleases themselves.
Martha is without a doubt the kind of person who would be more responsive to acts of service, because that is what she is noted for giving to others. When Jesus came to her house, the way she showed love for Jesus was by cooking a fine meal and serving Him. There is nothing wrong with serving people. The gospel enjoins us to do so, in fact.
In the first incident, where Martha served and Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, Martha’s love language seemed to be wearing thin. “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40, NKJV). Martha’s attitude speaks volumes to us who are called to be servants. We, like Martha, often become irritated when we feel like no one else is sharing the load. But doesn’t that attitude sort of take away from our love offering? Jesus’ answer to Martha wasn’t what she expected or wanted: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (verses 41, 42, NKJV).
Martha’s job was important; people have to eat, and it was especially important to feed an honored guest! She probably would not have felt imposed upon if Mary had not been having such a good time. Why should she have to do all the work when everyone else is enjoying fellowship with the Lord? Do you detect a little bit of jealousy? Do you think Jesus’ response to Martha’s love offering would have been different if she had not complained about it?
How many truly important things are missed in life because we are so focused on responsibilities rather than relationships. While Jesus was thankful for Martha’s love language gift, Mary’s devotion revealed a desire to know Him in a deeper way, for which He commended her. Knowing Jesus more deeply can only come by spending time in His presence. Service is important, but sitting at His feet is necessary.
Luke 10:38-42
38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Two Sisters/Two Personalities
Mary and Martha are representative of two kinds of personalities or mindsets. Gary Chapman has come up with a popular way of knowing how to say I love you in a way that the recipient can best receive the message. It is called the Five Love Languages. These languages are listed as “Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.” The idea is to show love to others in the way that most pleases the recipient. Those who have not learned otherwise, however, will most likely give love in the way that most pleases themselves.
Martha is without a doubt the kind of person who would be more responsive to acts of service, because that is what she is noted for giving to others. When Jesus came to her house, the way she showed love for Jesus was by cooking a fine meal and serving Him. There is nothing wrong with serving people. The gospel enjoins us to do so, in fact.
In the first incident, where Martha served and Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, Martha’s love language seemed to be wearing thin. “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40, NKJV). Martha’s attitude speaks volumes to us who are called to be servants. We, like Martha, often become irritated when we feel like no one else is sharing the load. But doesn’t that attitude sort of take away from our love offering? Jesus’ answer to Martha wasn’t what she expected or wanted: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (verses 41, 42, NKJV).
Martha’s job was important; people have to eat, and it was especially important to feed an honored guest! She probably would not have felt imposed upon if Mary had not been having such a good time. Why should she have to do all the work when everyone else is enjoying fellowship with the Lord? Do you detect a little bit of jealousy? Do you think Jesus’ response to Martha’s love offering would have been different if she had not complained about it?
How many truly important things are missed in life because we are so focused on responsibilities rather than relationships. While Jesus was thankful for Martha’s love language gift, Mary’s devotion revealed a desire to know Him in a deeper way, for which He commended her. Knowing Jesus more deeply can only come by spending time in His presence. Service is important, but sitting at His feet is necessary.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
War with Confidence
By An Anonymous Guest Dad
The crisis had come. The frantic, desperate phone calls had been made. It was time to take action, time to go to war. It was my time . . . I was now the one who was feverishly fasting, praying and interceding for a member of my own family.
Fasting was easy; I wasn’t hungry anyway. Seeing God replace this storm with blue skies was far more appealing to me than any of my favorite foods. It seemed truly appropriate to fill my normal times for breakfast, lunch and dinner with prayer.
It would have been impossible to keep from praying. Like a moth drawn to a flame, every waking minute I was either praying silently, praying aloud or praying in the Spirit that God would change the situation.
Once every hour, I would stop everything and intercede on my knees for ten minutes. Here is what I prayed during these focused times of intercession, inserting the name of the person I was praying for in the blanks:
Based on Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV)
God, please answer this prayer for _____________ in Jesus’ Name:
“. . . we have not stopped praying for _______ and asking You to fill him/her with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that _______ may live a life worthy of You and may please You in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in Your knowledge, being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might so that _______ may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to You, Father, who has qualified _____________ to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For You have rescued ________ from the dominion of darkness and brought him/her into the kingdom of the Son You love, in whom he/she has redemption, the forgiveness of _____ sins.”
Based on Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
God, please reveal to ______________ in Jesus’ Name:
“You, the LORD his/her God are with ____________,
You are mighty to save him/her.
You will take great delight in him/her,
You will quiet him/her with Your love,
You will rejoice over him/her with singing.”
Based on Ephesians 1:17-19 (NIV)
God, please do this for _____________ in Jesus’ Name:
May the ". . .God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give ______ the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that he/she may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of ______’s heart may be enlightened in order that he/she may know the hope to which You have called him/her, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for him/her because he/she believes.”
I began praying that God would reveal the Truth of these Scriptures to my loved one, but I had no feeling of reassurance. As I pressed on, more in desperation than in faith, God gave me a strong sense that these times of intercession based on His Word were driving back the darkness.
God answered, changed my loved one’s heart and the entire situation. He will do the same for you! Go to war, intercede, pray and fast with confidence in God. He WILL win!
The crisis had come. The frantic, desperate phone calls had been made. It was time to take action, time to go to war. It was my time . . . I was now the one who was feverishly fasting, praying and interceding for a member of my own family.
Fasting was easy; I wasn’t hungry anyway. Seeing God replace this storm with blue skies was far more appealing to me than any of my favorite foods. It seemed truly appropriate to fill my normal times for breakfast, lunch and dinner with prayer.
It would have been impossible to keep from praying. Like a moth drawn to a flame, every waking minute I was either praying silently, praying aloud or praying in the Spirit that God would change the situation.
Once every hour, I would stop everything and intercede on my knees for ten minutes. Here is what I prayed during these focused times of intercession, inserting the name of the person I was praying for in the blanks:
Based on Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV)
God, please answer this prayer for _____________ in Jesus’ Name:
“. . . we have not stopped praying for _______ and asking You to fill him/her with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that _______ may live a life worthy of You and may please You in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in Your knowledge, being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might so that _______ may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to You, Father, who has qualified _____________ to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For You have rescued ________ from the dominion of darkness and brought him/her into the kingdom of the Son You love, in whom he/she has redemption, the forgiveness of _____ sins.”
Based on Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
God, please reveal to ______________ in Jesus’ Name:
“You, the LORD his/her God are with ____________,
You are mighty to save him/her.
You will take great delight in him/her,
You will quiet him/her with Your love,
You will rejoice over him/her with singing.”
Based on Ephesians 1:17-19 (NIV)
God, please do this for _____________ in Jesus’ Name:
May the ". . .God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give ______ the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that he/she may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of ______’s heart may be enlightened in order that he/she may know the hope to which You have called him/her, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for him/her because he/she believes.”
I began praying that God would reveal the Truth of these Scriptures to my loved one, but I had no feeling of reassurance. As I pressed on, more in desperation than in faith, God gave me a strong sense that these times of intercession based on His Word were driving back the darkness.
God answered, changed my loved one’s heart and the entire situation. He will do the same for you! Go to war, intercede, pray and fast with confidence in God. He WILL win!
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Hour of Prayer
By Cheri Bunch
“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27 NASV).
I had a feeling . . . a very bad feeling about home.
My husband and I were in Scotland. Our youngest son Josiah was with us. The rest of my children were at home in the USA.
My dad had died only a month before and my mom and brother were still in deep despair because of his sudden and unexpected death.
Who was in trouble? I didn’t know! The heaviness intensified . . . something was really, really wrong! I began to pray. I didn’t know how to pray. I had to pray in the Spirit. He knew what was wrong. He was quickening me in this moment to pray . . . to earnestly pray.
I didn’t feel that I could call to find out what was going on. We were staying with a family to whom we had just been introduced and I didn’t know the cost of the call. Since I knew that overseas calls could mount up to an exorbitant cost quickly, I shut the door on a little room of our host’s house and began to sob and intercede, for what, I really didn’t know. I prayed for whatever urgent matter was on the heart of my God.
I was not able to get in touch with anyone from home for several more days. I called my mother as soon as I was able to get to a phone with reasonable rates for international calling. The first thing she said was, “Did you know that Caleb and Luke wrecked the truck?”
No, I hadn’t known. Caleb and Luke are also my sons. They were driving to a Christian concert that was a long distance from home. They headed into some road construction that was poorly marked. Wrecks were happening in the very spot where they had their mishap almost daily. In nearly every wreck that happened at this location there had been a death. I believe the tow truck man told us that there had been at least one death in every wreck that had happened in that particular spot.
When we returned home, we contacted the garage where the truck had been towed. The truck was totaled. The boys had to leave it behind.
“Do your boys believe in God?” the man who had towed the truck to his garage asked my husband.
“Yes, they do,” my husband replied.
“Well, they should, because they should be dead. Their truck is totally destroyed and those boys came away from that crash with nary a scratch. Yes, sir, if they didn’t believe in God before the crash, they should now. They escaped the worst kind of disaster!” The man seemed shaken by this fact.
Who can understand why the Lord lets us be a part of intercession? Scotty and I were so far away. . . yet the message to my heart was clear! “Pray--pray in the Spirit! I will pray through you!” So I responded to the burden with tears, empowered to pray with most holy faith.
The hour that I was burdened to pray was the exact hour that my boys were in trouble.
I used to waste much of my life in a state of worry, but I am learning that when there is something serious going on, the Lord can lead me to a place of intercession. The Holy Spirit doesn’t worry; He pleads with the Father, who is in heaven, and miracles happen. As we surrender to His leading, He will help us to have an active role in the bringing miracles to pass that will testify to the power and faithfulness of our God.
There is a tow truck man somewhere in Illinois that will tell you that my words are true.
Blessings to all!
“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27 NASV).
I had a feeling . . . a very bad feeling about home.
My husband and I were in Scotland. Our youngest son Josiah was with us. The rest of my children were at home in the USA.
My dad had died only a month before and my mom and brother were still in deep despair because of his sudden and unexpected death.
Who was in trouble? I didn’t know! The heaviness intensified . . . something was really, really wrong! I began to pray. I didn’t know how to pray. I had to pray in the Spirit. He knew what was wrong. He was quickening me in this moment to pray . . . to earnestly pray.
I didn’t feel that I could call to find out what was going on. We were staying with a family to whom we had just been introduced and I didn’t know the cost of the call. Since I knew that overseas calls could mount up to an exorbitant cost quickly, I shut the door on a little room of our host’s house and began to sob and intercede, for what, I really didn’t know. I prayed for whatever urgent matter was on the heart of my God.
I was not able to get in touch with anyone from home for several more days. I called my mother as soon as I was able to get to a phone with reasonable rates for international calling. The first thing she said was, “Did you know that Caleb and Luke wrecked the truck?”
No, I hadn’t known. Caleb and Luke are also my sons. They were driving to a Christian concert that was a long distance from home. They headed into some road construction that was poorly marked. Wrecks were happening in the very spot where they had their mishap almost daily. In nearly every wreck that happened at this location there had been a death. I believe the tow truck man told us that there had been at least one death in every wreck that had happened in that particular spot.
When we returned home, we contacted the garage where the truck had been towed. The truck was totaled. The boys had to leave it behind.
“Do your boys believe in God?” the man who had towed the truck to his garage asked my husband.
“Yes, they do,” my husband replied.
“Well, they should, because they should be dead. Their truck is totally destroyed and those boys came away from that crash with nary a scratch. Yes, sir, if they didn’t believe in God before the crash, they should now. They escaped the worst kind of disaster!” The man seemed shaken by this fact.
Who can understand why the Lord lets us be a part of intercession? Scotty and I were so far away. . . yet the message to my heart was clear! “Pray--pray in the Spirit! I will pray through you!” So I responded to the burden with tears, empowered to pray with most holy faith.
The hour that I was burdened to pray was the exact hour that my boys were in trouble.
I used to waste much of my life in a state of worry, but I am learning that when there is something serious going on, the Lord can lead me to a place of intercession. The Holy Spirit doesn’t worry; He pleads with the Father, who is in heaven, and miracles happen. As we surrender to His leading, He will help us to have an active role in the bringing miracles to pass that will testify to the power and faithfulness of our God.
There is a tow truck man somewhere in Illinois that will tell you that my words are true.
Blessings to all!
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