What pops to mind when you hear the phrase, “I’ve always done it that way”? Be open to God redirecting your steps in that area of your life.
listen
Do the Impossible (Prayer Devotional for the week of November 29, 2015)
Think of something that you do really well for the Lord. For example, perhaps you volunteer in the nursery on rotating Sunday mornings: playing with babies or doing arts & crafts is right up your alley. If you felt like God was calling you to step up your game and volunteer more often or take some sort of leadership role, it wouldn’t sound too crazy, right? Or, maybe you serve as a greeter and enjoy welcoming visitors each week. If God compelled you to do a little more in that area, it wouldn’t be too much to ask, would it?
But, what about when you feel that tell-tale nudge on your heart from the Holy Spirit prompting you to do something wayyyy outside of your comfort zone, like share your testimony in front of the church, give a gift bigger than you’ve ever donated before, or go on a missions trip?
We all need to use our spiritual gifts and our natural skills & talents to serve the Lord, but when it comes to doing the impossible – those breakthrough moments that you look back on in awe because you know without a shadow of a doubt that God did something miraculous – that takes a leap of faith.
In my experience, God tells us to do impossible things in our areas of weakness. If he only worked through our strong suits, then I think we would be tempted to take the credit for ourselves. (“Look at what a great thing I did, and by the way, God helped.”)
When God calls you to do impossible things, you either obey, or you don’t. There’s no middle ground. Case in point, read the parable of the rich man (Matthew 19, Luke 18, or Mark 10). He had a solid track record for doing good, religious things; however, when Jesus instructed him to do the seemingly impossible, he balked. He had the opportunity right in his lap to see God move in a miraculous way, but his pride kept him from obeying.
May we not be like the man in that parable, who missed out on the chance to be part of something much, much bigger than himself. God is at work all around us, each and every day. May we be observant and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s nudging to get involved, even when it seems impossible.
Prayer prompt for Saturday, Nov. 21
Prepare your heart now for worship at church tomorrow. Confess your sin and enter that time of praise with an open and listening heart.
Prayer prompt for Saturday, June 6
When’s the last time you heard/felt God prompting you to do something? Spend some time in prayer today seeking that nudge from the Spirit.
Prayer prompt for Sunday, Feb. 8
When’s the last time that you sensed God leading you down a particular path – or have you ever felt that call? Openly listen to him today.
Prayer prompt for Friday, Nov. 14
Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us that there are times to speak & times to hush. Prayer should include listening for the Lord to nudge your heart.
Prayer prompt for Friday, August 8
How do you know which voice to listen to amid the static in your life? Read 1 John 4 and soak in the truth of God’s word.
Prayer prompt for Thursday, May 15
Is there a certain area of ministry (or place) where you’d say to God, “No way!”? Talk to him about your reservations, then hush & listen.
Prayer prompt for Friday, March 21
Pray about your schedule & to-do list today, asking God how he wants you to trust him throughout the day. Let your heart listen.