It has been so wonderful homeschooling these two kids. They are here at CB for a very sad reason, but you can see on their faces that they find comfort and joy in hanging out with me for school each morning. We are continuing to learn about the life of Elijah and it has intrigued the kids to ask some amazing questions. Who is God? Who is the Devil? Is this story real?
The literature the kids are reading for class is christian in nature so the little girl, and I have been discussing prayer. On Friday, she recalled from this story that God answers prayer by saying yes, no, or wait." Wow. I am beyond excited to be a part of their lives in such an important way.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
On a personal note, the Lord continues to point me to scripture about prayer. From the previous story, you know that I have been discussing prayer with the kids during home-school. This week the bible-study we had at the baby house each morning was about prayer. When does God answer prayer? Why does it take God so long to answer prayer? Why doesn't he give you what you desire? These are all common questions we think about.
What we discussed is that when "we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (James 5:14)." Sometimes our hearts are aligned with God's desire and sometimes we try to blaze our own path in life. "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (James 4:13)."
I have been getting really frustrated not receiving some of the desires in my heart. I love my work here but I want a family of my own. Unfortunately, lately I just haven't prayed about it. In James 4: 1 & 2 is says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." This verse was the kicker for me this week. I realized that I haven't taken the time to ask. I'm used to the answer, "wait" so why keep asking? I believe the Lord used the family bible-study this week to tell me to ask. God loves to spend time with us no matter the reason.
I've struggled with many of the things you talked about with prayer. A couple of weeks ago, Andy found a book that has truly blessed and encouraged us. It's changing our prayer life day by day. "The Praying Life" by Paul Miller. Do you have a way to get it?
ReplyDeleteYes, I will look for it on the kindle. Thanks for the book title. I always need a new read.
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