In September, Pastor Stone encouraged Mobberly Baptist congregation to take ’40 days to prepare for God to work powerfully in your life and speak directly to your heart as He transforms each of us through this season of prayer and fasting.’ If we wanted to hear God clearly and experience God’s work powerfully, we had to remove distractions and focus wholeheartedly on Him.

There was no question our family would enter into this commitment. This was an opportunity to sacrifice our wants and delve deeper into His Word. But for what? After much prayer the answer was clear…more than anything I wanted to enter into ‘His Presence.’

I have always been drawn to Exodus where Moses clearly expresses that he doesn’t want just the ‘blessings’, he desires His very presence over everything else.

‘Depart and go… I will send an Angel before you…to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people.”  Then Moses prayed, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is Your people.”

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Exodus 33:15 NIV

 

Over the next 40 days I felt His Presence like never before. His gentle touch, quiet whisper and more than anything his guidance. Little did I know what the next few days would have in store but He did and He used the Mobberly devotional to speak to me each and every day. From week 1 He was there…

Week 1: Equipped to Pray, Day 3: ‘The Dialogue of Prayer’

 

When do those who live in your house with you observe your love and dependence on your Father, the Creator of the universe? They see it in many ways, but none more clearly than when you pray. Prayer demonstrates our dependence on a very tangible way. Not only do our kids and spouses get to hear our heart as we pray; they get to see our trust lived out. Sure we could show them anxiety, anger, frustration when one of the troubles of life shows up, or we could practice Paul’s instructions here to do 3 simple things: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Later that day we found out Caitlyn had fractured her leg and we would be heading to see an oncologist in Dallas. I knew to get through this I had to trust him. Reflecting on the word I read that morning I chose to forfeit self-pity  and praise him for everything He did that day: allowing me to be at the school when the swelling started, Dr. Mann fitting us in early despite having a later appointment and most of all that the swelling and fracture occurred bringing to light the lesion on the bone. I’ll never forget sitting in the room when Dr. Mann said it’s a blessing this occurred or else we would have never known it was there.

Day 4: The Deliverance of Prayer

When we pray, we should remember who God is. He is the God of creation who is awesome and holy. We should approach Him with awe and reverence. He is also the living God who places His arms around us in love and compassion. Faith is what makes the relationship possible. Without faith we cannot please Him. We must be willing to stretch our faith. 

We were heading to Dallas the following day to meet the oncologist. The first time we walked through the elevator doors onto the Cancer wing of Children’s Hospital is forever etched into my mind. In the waiting area I saw a teenage girl being pushed by her mother followed by an IV bag. Then a little red wagon pulled by a nurse with a baby, no older than 3, laying down with an IV in his nose followed by a cart with several IV bags hanging. Both were bald. My heart broke I wanted so bad for Barry to shield Caitlyn from seeing any of it but it was too late she was staring at the baby. She had a look on her face not confused or scared but genuine concern. She said,’I hope they are ok’ and laid her head down on Daddy’s shoulder. I held in my tears and finished checking in. Although I didn’t know why we were here I knew there was a reason and with that I had to stretch my faith!

Day 5: The Direction of Prayer

When we get the message that there is something urgent to hear, sometimes our stomachs tighten up, we break out in a cold sweat and worry about what kind of news we are about to face. But, as it happens so much of the time, we hear the message, and our worries are unfounded. In Romans 12:12, God says to bring all things to Him in prayer. Why does He say that? Because as you pray, God infuses you with His power and strength to do as He asks. 

Sitting in the exam room I felt sick to my stomach, I hadn’t stopped praying since we were in the car yet I felt nervous and scared. The oncologist came in and after looking over the X-ray couldn’t confirm whether it was a tumor. She explained that tumors are usually highly aggressive and irregular in size this, however, was uniform. She told us we would need an MRI and would need to meet with the orthopedic doctor. To be honest it felt as though she was confused on why we were there and she seemed somewhat confident we wouldn’t see her again. I left feeling relief despite not having answers.

Day 6 The Delight of Prayer

George Mueller, a British evangelist during the 1800s, found his greatest joy in seeing God answer His prayers in ways that only God could. He offers this quote, ‘The joy which answers to prayers give, cannot be described; and the impetus which they afford to the spiritual life is exceedingly great.’ 

Day 7: Engaging with God’s Purpose

It’s becoming clear to me that God’s plans are bigger than my dreams. He has a purpose for me and for you. God let me live so I can tell my story and make His name known. Are you telling your story? 

Convicted! Entering the prayer and fast I was looking to see what I would ‘get’ and disregarding what I would ‘give.’  I never imagined this would be our ‘opportunity’ to witness to others what He was doing in our lives. And although this is not the road we would have chosen, we know this is the road He chose for us and we praise Him that along the way we accomplish all He has for us. Not only did it impact us, but our friends, family, strangers and even a medical community would witness Him at work.  This particular journey will end but Caitlyn’s testimony will last a lifetime.

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their TESTIMONY.” Revelation 12:11