40 DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE DRAWS TO A CLOSE
Today is my last day in the 40 Day Prayer Challenge. It actually took me 42 days. I like starting my day with a devotional, but when I had company for a couple days, that didn’t happen. I have enjoyed my Draw The Circle book, and have since then ordered another couple books that will be here Monday.
When I started the book, for some reason I decided to also incorporate a 40 day fast. I have NEVER done a fast, so this was totally something new. For 40 days I had no dessert and bought no clothing. You would think that was an easy task, and for some it might have been. But those of you who know me, you know how hard this was on me. Not walking in the wilderness hard, but still not easy. I even held true to buying no clothing when I was at the woman’s club convention, even though the Prime Outlets (YES, the same one’s that were in Orlando) were in Williamsburg. I told you it was hard.
When I first started the Draw The Circle book, and writing down my prayers, I was amazed at how fast some of my prayers were being answered. The first week I had MANY prayers answered that I thought would never happen. I was feeling so smug, even special, because the Lord was listening to me. I thanked Him daily, but I still was a little cocky.
Guess what, He yanked those answers right back. Talk about humbling, I was humbled not before any person, but before the Lord. I knew that some of His answers are, “not right now,” but I hadn’t even thought about the answer being, “I changed my mind.”
Part of my daily prayers are that this little blog might reach and touch someone in need. I have never been very open about my religious views, I preferred to keep them private. Sundays were going to be the one day I took off, my day of rest. But then I decided I needed inspiration, and maybe I could also be an inspiration. I sincerely hope these Sunday blog posts are as special to you as they are to me.
I was reading in the book about a man who was traveling with his family. They decided to stop at a rest area to stretch their legs. His family ran on ahead, while he walked around. While he was walking he heard a telephone start ringing. He looked around, and there was a pay phone. He answered the phone, thinking that there might be an emergency. When he said hello, an operator came on and said there was a long distance telephone call for him. She actually said his name. He was stunned, but finally blurted out that it was him. A woman came on the phone and told him she had been contemplating suicide. She had listened to this man speak before, and asked God to let her talk to him. She had no idea how to get in touch with the man, but numbers kept coming into her mind. She wrote them down, and called an operator to make a long distance phone call. She was just as amazed as the man on the other end of the line, when the opeator said he was on the phone. Both of them were truly on a “Long Distance” telephone call. The Lord knows where we are at any given moment, even at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere.
Please feel free to share some of your answered prayers. A first hand testimony is inspiring on so many levels.
Have a blessed Sunday!
I am amazed. I am Australian. I never join a blog. I did join yours because it was an over 50 so thought it was really interesting. THEN I see are a Christian.. God works in mysterious ways. I now watch 2 people on Pinterest, you and Cindy Spivey both by chance and both of you Christians. I am a lot older, but still love looking the best I can, that God made me. Keep being bold in the Lord. Xx
Thank you so much Lyn. Your kind words are an inspiration to me. I adore Cyndi Spivey, and just to be mentioned in the same context is fantastic!
Thank you for sharing that story! Wow! I LOVE to hear how God answers prayer. I also was thrilled to see that you share your faith on your blog. Love it! Thank you for being transparent. <3
That story brought goose-bumps all over me. It is very humbling to know that you are watched over and cared for by the Lord.
We are called to witness. Sometimes that’s most uncomfortable. I believe it’s a “let go; let God” kind of thing. You never know who’s life you will touch.
Have a blessed week. I’ve got 14 days until I don’t have to “adult” for 10 weeks. ?
Enjoy the countdown, but enjoy the 10 weeks more! Sounds like lots of fun, and then you will have plenty of time to read my blog! Hahaha
I’ve already got my summer planned. Lake trip. River trip. Mission trip. Beach trip. In that order. Realistically, I have to “adult” for 3 days of professional development…and the mission trip (leading youth). I’ll only be completely away from wifi/cell service while at the river. So yes, I will be keeping up with you!
Great post! I love hearing how the Lord has been working in lives of others. I would say an answer to pray happened to me today when my hard little heart was softened as I listened to our pastor speak about the community of believers. I was reminded how much I am part of a family and I am blessed that the Lord designed us to need one another.
I very much doubt that you heart is hard, but I know what you mean. I love going to church and being surround by believers. I almost always go home with my heart overflowing.
I needed to read your inspiration today. Thank you.
I am so glad the the post was helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Not only do I love your fashion and humor but I really appreciate your faith and you inspire me in my walk. Thank you.
Thank you so much Rebecca!
You inspired me to purchase the book as well! I always enjoy reading your blog every morning! You are an inspiration!
I hope you like the book as much as I did, Ali!
I want to thank you for recommending Draw the circle.. I have since ordered two more books by same author?
Blessings to you
Have a great week
Me too Terri! Lol!
You and Cyndi Spivey have both mentioned the book, “Draw the Circle” recently in your blogs. Love when that happens. I think I will check it out. ? Keep up your fasting. God does amazing things as only He can when we are obedient.
It really is a inspirational book. Cyndi’s blog is amazing, and she never fells to make me inspired.