Dale invited me to contribute to Lambchow awhile ago, and honestly, I didn’t have the boldness to do so. I was not even sure what I should write about. He had recently given a ministry update, which included how readers could pray for Lambchow. Amongst other prayers, he requested, “pray for folks to take the bold step of letting their voices be heard through writing.” Thanks for the prayers, because I felt an increase in courage and boldness this past week. I started sensing the Lord wanting me to share this story about Ava, my 3-year-old daughter, praying with expectation. A few days later I attended church, in which we are in a series called Following Jesus in Prayer. The sermon that day was titled “What Can We Expect When We Pray”? Well, that was confirmation to me that the Lord was nudging me to write, and so here I am obeying!
“…if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” (Matthew 17:20, NASB)
I recently created a personalized prayer book for Ava to help teach her how to pray. Little did I know that I would be the one learning from her. The story begins on a very hot and humid summer day last week. Ava and I were about ready to leave our apartment and I instructed Ava to get her shoes. She came back with her Frozen snow boots. I informed her it was very hot outside, and suggested that her Frozen sandals would be a more appropriate selection. She then replied that she “wants snow, was praying for snow and was going to wear her snow boots”. (Can you tell she is a persistent girl that likes Frozen?) I had to stop to ponder on how I should respond. I then remembered a story from a book called Draw the Circle (A 40 Day Prayer Challenge) by Mark Battleson. Local farmers in a community came together to pray for rain during a dry season. One of the farmers showed up at the church in his rain gear. That’s what I call praying with expectation! That’s what Ava was doing as well. So yes, I let her wear her Frozen snow boots that day in the 90-100 degree heat and I joined in prayer with her! Unlike the farmers in the previous story that received rain, we didn’t get any snow that day. But, she is continuing to pray.
I received a deeper revelation this week through my daughter Ava regarding what it means to pray expectantly and continuously about anything and everything with faith in the goodness and sovereignty of God. Many of these points were actually taught throughout our Following Jesus in Prayer series. However, Ava was an example to me on how to walk it out (no pun intended). Like Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, NASB)
Lord Jesus, I pray for an increase of faith; for faith that can move mountains. Help me to become like a child; teachable, humble, and poor in spirit. Thank you for the breakthroughs in prayer I have received. Provide me with the strength to be steadfast in prayer, as I wait expectantly for You to move. Aide me to not lean on my own understanding, but to trust You in all of Your ways. Thank you for your faithfulness and for being for me and not against me. Amen.
- Jesus Says Rest - August 15, 2018
- Jesus Says Love All - June 25, 2018
- ABCs of Faith – United Faith - November 6, 2017
ty that was a great story. wish i had children to tell it. GOD bless Pat
enjoyed reading this story. Truly an inspiration.