Today is a challenge. Challenges include a good friend almost young enough to be my son is recovering from a heart attack. My physical aches and pains kept me from sleep most of the night. The mountains of work are coming up to their deadlines with no apparent solution in sight. With the list of challenges growing by the minute, the facts are that I still many things working in my favor, one thing in particular.
First, I look around and see missiles of destruction landing on everyone's house. I watch as arrows hit vital parts of our lives, often shot by the very people we look to for support. Life is difficult, challenging, and seemingly overwhelming. The list of obstacles in front and the rocks flying at us is growing by the minute. At least one thing continues to help you, even if you do not realize it. Your help is the same thing that is working in my favor.
It is as if we made our request in unison.
“I have one request dear friends: Pray for me.” (Romans 15.30)
Conversations with God make the difference in the life of the person who is having the dialogue. It is the start of the process of giving one's life up to God as an offering – allowing God to use our abilities to deliver love and mercy to the people around us. The process itself brings fundamental changes in our souls, changing us from the inside out.
I know people are lifting me up to God daily in faithful trust. They take the care, issues, and concerns that they know about and leave them at God's feet, with a single request. The request varies in language but has a common theme; come be real, guide and assure, let your Spirit of hope, acceptance, and love be present. I continue to experience the Presence in ways that others tell me is just coincidence. I know better. I see God's touch reaching out in my life and others.
Prayer is life's driver, our openness the gas-pedal.
