GodisgreatGodisgoodletusthankHimforourfood

GodisgreatGodisgoodletusthankHimforourfood

AMEN.

That used to be the extent of prayer in my life. I'd rattle that off at dinner as a kid and occasionally would dash through the Lord's prayer in church but those words and phrases weren't heading heavenward, they were empty and would fall to the ground.

Now, prayer is a BIG deal in my life and I still find myself not taking advantage of the ultimate high speed connection. I do my morning quiet time and get to praying about things, and my busy mind starts bouncing out of control with thoughts and concerns about very earthly things. I find I have to regain control and not think about work or the basement or the creak in the right pedal of my commuter bicycle.

God wants the communication with us. He's always ready and willing and very able to hear us when our heart is right. And, He answers those prayers. I remember Pastor Walter Harvey of Parklawn Assembly of God saying, "God's answer to prayer is Yes, No, or Not Now". I believe that---and I also am pretty good at realizing that when He says No, it's for the perfect reason. I might not realize why it's a no---but that'll be explained to me some day.

We get frustrated when our prayers aren't answered to our satisfaction. When that happens, I always ask, "Lord--help me understand why" or "Lord, please reveal the reason to me". IF I stay at it, the answer will come. Sometimes---no, most times---it's not at that instant. It might be on the way to work or later that day---or later that year. What I need to do is trust.

There's my challenge. Trust.

As nice as life has been for me since my fall-to-the-knees-moment in 2000, it's far from perfect. I've lost jobs twice, I've weathered financial storms along with the rest of the country, I've had those close to me battle through serious illness---yet, I've been delivered to where I'm at in a nice little house with a brand new job and a sweet and loving family.

Then why was the gray twirling ribbon of doubt twisting in my soul from time to time? That's the only way to describe what I'd encounter when I'd feel that little tug of unrest---this little gray twirling ribbon. I'd put it to God many times...."Lord, what is it? What is the source of this little pocket of unrest?"

You know what I discovered? I was busier asking the question than listening for the answer. The answer was ALWAYS there but I was so wrapped up in feeling the unrest that I only wanted to complain about it to God---who was ready to answer me---if I'd only shut up long enough to hear Him.

Finally, I did. It was pure and simple and sure and sweet. The answer was about trust and deliverance. In an instant I knew that when this is all said and done, when we are 100 years down the road, when I've exchanged this earthly body for my heavenly one (please, let me finally be over 6 feet tall)---God will have delivered me through all this muck and mire of the world. And I'll look back and know He was taking care of me the whole time.

I wasn't trusting fully. I was still thinking that there were things I needed to do. Big mistake. Yes, there are things I need to do as a walking, talking, praying Christian--but He's got the big stuff covered and He will have HIS will be done. My job is to trust.

And to pray.

And not worry about that pedal.