As a ministry leader I feel the weight of being an ambassador for my Jesus— especially in regard to the words I share online. And I feel the weight of knowing I’m not worthy to represent Him—by myself. But God never sends us out into the world, alone, to accomplish what He has planned for us. NEVER.
When you’re wading through muddy waters, longing for clarity, it can feel like there’s nothing firm to stand on—only murky answers and shifting ground.
“What is your biggest struggle with prayer?” I did not expect the flood of replies from my readers. “I really want to learn … how to hear and know His voice.” “I struggle with unanswered prayer.” “Why bother [praying] if God is going to do whatever He wants anyway?” Prayer can be difficult to master; we know that from the abundance of books on the subject. Prayer is simple yet puzzling. Prayer can be taught, yet there is more to it than knowledge.
Someone asked me recently, “When did you know you could move on?” I’d never been asked this question before, so I considered my answer. I believe it was one day when a lawyer discussed the probabilities of a lawsuit.
Sometimes when I pray, the Lord shows me these lovely pictures. I used to think these were mere daydreams interrupting my prayer focus. I’d try to refocus, but the images continued to break my concentration. One day, in a small prayer circle, the woman who prayed before me shared the pictures she saw as she prayed. I’d never heard anyone share in this way before, but her courage inspired me to share the pictures I saw.
As the world sings, “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,” tragedy can suddenly zap away our joy. Loved ones can pass away, and lives can be turned upside down.
Each year as my family decorates the tree, we sing “The First Noel” and add on those yarn wreaths. We remember it is a “choice to rejoice.” It also seems as we reflect on that first Christmas and our decision to “choose joy,” we can see why God placed this vital truth in our lives as a strong foundation for our future.
I was snuggled deep in the covers when my eyes popped open and I heard the still, small voice of the Lord whisper to my heart. "It’s time to pray for the hurting children."
Originally, she dreamed of being in the fashion business, but God had something else in mind. God unfolded His beautiful plan for Lane’s life and ministry so subtly that she didn’t even realize it was happening.
There is no formula for hearing God’s voice or knowing if it’s God speaking. Hearing and discerning God’s voice comes by practicing His presence and tuning your ear to His heart.