Tonight I had the privilege of being in a room with 23 women who put into action, true ministry, the act of praying God’s word for one of our sisters. If you are not familiar with praying God’s word, look it up! Beth Moore wrote a Bible study – Breaking Free – several years ago, from that came a book Praying God’s Word. In short, this is taking the truths of God’s word and praying them back to God, personalizing the truths with your name, the name of a loved one, a friend, an acquaintance, and yes, even and enemy. This is an awesome way to take God’s word, put them in your heart, and share them with others.
Let me share some things that God is teaching me right now. Over the past several months there have been many changes in my life. I am a middle aged woman, married for 32 years, the mother of 2 children that are now adults, a semi-retired educator, care giver for my father, the youngest of 3 children, and most importantly a child of the King of Kings – adopted by the blood of Jesus Christ. Late in November I was diagnosed with herniated disc in my lower back. This was the third time in 3 years that the disc herniated. I found out during the beginning of January that I would have a third surgery. In December, our daughter and her husband moved in with us as they relocate to our area and while trying to sell their home at their previous location. Also in December, our son moved in with us following a divorce after 6.5 years of marriage. Our home is full! I don’t think this is what my husband and I felt we would be experiencing at this time of our lives. What I know is that God knew this would be our life right now. What a blessing to have a home that God has provided for us that has enough room for all of us! I am learning that my plans are not God’s plans, my schedule is not God’s schedule, and my ways are not God’s ways. But, oh how blessed I am that as I walk through uncertain times and challenges that God’s plans, schedule, and ways are far better than I could ever imagine. Additionally, what a blessing to have God's word to provide support and direction for us with every step we take.
Several of my dear friends are experiencing trials that are challenging. One of them is the woman that all 23 of us prayed for this evening. This woman, in the past few months, has walked through many medical challenges and the loss of her father. She was preparing for back surgery next week when another medical issue came to light. She has now been diagnosed with endometrial cancer and instead of back surgery next week she will now have a hysterectomy. What is God teaching me through this event? To begin with He knew that my friend would be going through this trial at this very moment in time. God has blessed her with a husband that is compassionate and now has a job that allows him to telecommute and he has sufficient leave to be with her during this time. Just this week, following my surgery, I again began driving. I was able to travel to town with my friend today and be with her while she had some pre-op tests. I have seen God work in the lives of 23 women just today, as we came together to take the truths of God’s word and pray for one of our sisters. What a blessing to be a part of the family of God.
God desires us to be in a relationship with Him. He has provided us with direction for developing the relationship. His word is our guide. Spending time in prayer with Him and in His word provides us with hope, confidence, strength, encouragement, peace, comfort, direction, and so much more. I encourage you to seek God’s direction through His word. Then, take the promises that you find in His word, and claim them for yourself, your loved ones, your friends, and yes, your enemies. If you are facing a difficult illness or you have someone that is in a similar situation, look up the verses below and personalize them, and pray them back to God. He wants to hear from you! He wants to be your comfort.
Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 peter 1:6-7, , 2 Samuel 22:33, Psalms 73:26, Isaiah 40:30-31, James 5:13-18, Psalm 121:1, Ephesians 3:17-19
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