“Did you take it to the Lord?” This is a frequently asked question I have been getting recently. Growing up I always went to church regularly on Sundays but really never knew of spending time each day with the Lord outside of a church setting or a prayer before meals and bed. I never really got a full grasp of the whole relationship aspect of my faith. So coming into this new environment with having devotional time in the middle of the day each day was new to me. I struggled with really taking that time to focus on God and what He is speaking to me. Every morning I get up extra early just to have time to sit with Him, so that I may start each day with my father. I allow time and space for the Holy Spirit to come in and fill me up. I tend to ask the Lord “what do you say of me?” It really takes practice to hear His voice through the many distractions of life. The amount of times prayer comes up in the Bible is countless. Some of the scripture I have been reading:
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Matthew 6: 7-8 “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
Psalm 17:6 “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”
Prayer is so significant in life. God has all our answers it just is a matter of going to Him with the questions. I have had numerous situations and struggles come up throughout this journey but it would all make it easier if I would just go to Him before anyone else. For He knows our hearts and our feelings before we do.
This past week I got the opportunity to step out in the boldness God says of me to lead a devotional for the teachers at the school. I got the chance to share, while my ministry host, Sokeng translated for me. Before beginning the devotional I took time to pray on it and allow Him to speak through me. I spoke of Matthew 14:25-36 where Jesus walks on water and Peter steps out of the boat to meet Him. Verse 29-31 says “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith” he said “why did you doubt?” What I really got out of it was through all of the brokenness and struggle God is always there. He is by our side no matter what we are doing or where we are. When we say “save me Lord” He says “I am right here with you.” He is extending His hand to us daily it is just a matter of if we take it or not. Similar to Peter sinking in the water as he looked to the wind rather than the Lord, when we don’t look to Him through everything in life we fall to the things NOT from our Heavenly Father. Christ rids us of any doubts and fear when our sights our set on Him. Similar to the Holy Spirit that lives inside us giving us courage, strength, and perseverance. I am just becoming more aware of His faithfulness and unconditional love for me through His never ending presence in my life. I am learning to take everything to God, whether that be something big in my life or just a little detail. He wants to hear everything. When we sit with Him and talk we are growing intimacy. It is a relationship. The more you spend time with one another, the more you get to know the other. I am forming a growing reliance on the Lord and beginning to choose those conversations with Him.
This intimacy in relationship is something that just takes time and practice, it will always be a pursuit in life but I do love that God is showing me the power of patience in growth.
