The start of this week had me in tears and prayer. From that one difficult beginning we have had better and better moments in our days. Oh the kids are still struggling with listening and obedience, and we’ll always be dealing with attitudes, disciplining and discipling, but the time I spent crying out in prayer has made the difference in my outlook. Steph Layton wrote about it yesterday in her post Nothing Will Be Impossible For You.
No not by might, nor even power, but by THY SPIRIT O Lord.
I’m reading through Nehemiah, about the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They’d gotten a really good start on the walls when their surrounding neighbours decided to band together and fight against the work they were doing.
Nehemiah 4:9
And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
Again, the first instinct is to go to prayer. Something else interesting I noticed too – they set a guard.
When we encounter difficulties, stressful situations, moments of despair and tasks that seem insurmountable, do we automatically go to prayer? Knowing and believing and trusting that He will protect and provide for us. And then do we go the next step, to set a guard, a watch over ourselves, prepared to fight with whatever means necessary?
This may mean keeping watch for another similar attack of the enemy. KEEPING in the word and prayer over the situation (here is where I struggle the most!). Asking for help from others. Keeping the faith.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
When confronted, pray and set a guard. He has calls you is faithful; HE WILL SURELY DO IT. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Continuing in Thanks
511. Pumpking spice lattes – though I won’t be having one today, 28 degrees!!
512. Cooler mornings with coffee
513. Leaves changing with the season
514. Handmade birthday cards for friends
515. Red roses from my sweetheart, wrapped in paper
516. Memory verses on the wall, flanked by thanks
517. Pencils drawing thankfulness
518. Baby girl doing tumbling classes in my stomach!
519. The difficulties that bring me to prayer – then keep me there.
520. An inheritance waiting for us (1 Peter 1:4)
521. Ask anything according to his will and he hears us (1 John 5:14)
522. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8)
523. Praying for friends and fellow bloggers
524. Being part of a fantastic homeschool co-op IRL and a great homeschool network online
525. The opportunity to attend ALLUME! (With my hubby coming too! I’m sooooooo excited!)