As I drove home today I remembered. Remembered a morning drive where a promise was graciously revealed. A promise I had been diligently praying for.
If you haven’t figured it out yet my drive is where I spend a lot of time reflecting. Deep in thought. Open to God’s communication with me. Some of the time it’s with music on and other times in silence. What I find frustrating is my inability to capture my thoughts as I drive. I’m not talented enough to write notes. And Siri doesn’t recognize my speech enough to turn out notes that are later comprehensible. Siri may not understand my mess. But the Lord…of course that’s a whole other blog for a different day. But The Lord. Can I get an amen???
Promise.
I had been praying diligently over a situation. A situation that was out of my control. But needed a solution. Really needed an intervention. An immediate one, in my opinion. The more I prayed the worse it seemed to get. I kept wondering if I was supposed to be doing something. Taking action. Be still. That’s what kept coming to me time and time again as I asked God aloud for direction on the actions I just knew I needed to take. Be still.
How can I be still. I need a resolution. This is an emergency.
And then God revealed to me the whole picture of his solution. There was an overwhelming peace as I knew he had a plan. And even when I couldn’t see it, he was working. So, I kept on. Praying. Believing. Praying. And, feeling defeated as others urged me to do more. Actually encouraged me to be more active than merely praying. But I kept on. Heartbroken that people thought I was weak and powerless. Disappointed God hadn’t resolved the issue to show everyone prayer was the right thing to do. You know, stick up for me a little bit. But I pushed and prayed more.
Fear.
Soon after my promise of complete work that was whole and beautiful, I began to feel anxious. Nervous. How was this all going to unfold. What would I have to walk through before my answer. Would something dreadful happen?
Every time my phone rang, fear set in. Like the death grip on my chest. Sleepless nights. Crying. Worrying. Praying more. Doubting.
Fear had a hold on me like a driver in a panic with white knuckles on the steering wheel.
Almost enough that I dreaded my promise.
Until…
I stood in the mirror one morning and talked to myself. I said, this is a choice. I can choose to walk in fear or choose to walk in faith. Which will I choose.
My pep talk lasted most of the day. You guessed it. I drove home that evening and had another revelation.
And then I started talking out loud. To the devil. In my car, at the red light, hands moving around in the air. I might have even been finger pointing. I’m sure it was a sight to see.
But I didn’t care.
I’d had enough.
So, I chose to put him on notice. Let him know a few things.
I will NOT fear him.
He’s already been defeated.
How dare he try to make me doubt the power of MY GOD living IN ME???
Victory was mine. Yes, that’s right. Was mine. Because the victory had already been won. And he knew it. So did I. Or, he wouldn’t be trying so hard to steal it. Well, he couldn’t have it.
I WILL stand, walk, and live IN Faith. Because my promise was good. And I knew it. So did he.
I said, Get thee behind me Satan. God’s already got this. Watch and learn how beauty and hope rise up out of these ashes.
Friend…
I don’t know what you’re facing or who needs to hear this today. But you can make your mind up to stand in faith long before your heart ever feels strong enough. Speak the words. Shout the truth. Wave you hands in the air and stomp your feet a little. Dance in the presence of your enemy because your victory is already won. And he knows it.
Prayer is your thing. It’s your action. Prayer is powerful. When the devil starts to challenge your prayer life, get down on your knees and pray some more. You’re scaring him. Petition the throne of grace and praise your father for what he’s already done. Before your human eyes see the fulfillment of your promise. Go ahead.
Today is the day to allow his strength to lift you up. Choose faith over fear. Choose it. It’s a choice. Praise your Jesus in the storm. And worship him for his goodness. These are choices. No matter what you “feel”. Choose it anyway. Get grit.
The rest of the story.
God’s promise rang true. A few months later for me. My phone rang. the very sound I had feared was the sound that brought my answer. God had made a way where there seemingly was no way. All was good. In his perfect timing. It always is. His timing made it complete. In more ways than I could have put together with “my” human actions. Through it all I learned that fervent prayer is THE answer to my needs, desires, and circumstances.
Bobbie
