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| Prayer changes things--even when we don't see it! |
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Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Do you ever feel like you pray & pray & pray, and nothing's happening......that it's all in vain? I feel like that often. I have what I call, my "prayer book." I rotate the list of names, and--aside from a few people and things I pray daily for--most are prayed for once a week. So I pray for A LOT of people. Some mornings I feel energized and enthusiastic. Most mornings lately, I feel sluggish, spacey and sometimes, unenthusiastic. And yet I gave my word; so I pray. I often wonder if anything is happening through my prayers. I'm far from perfect. I still mess up and even swear when I get easily provoked at--well--usually my slow computer or something so stupid to get upset and sin because of it! I still struggle to love people that are clingy or having pity parties or just don't like me. I DO pray about these things (God, get rid of them!!!). Well, two nights ago, something reminded me (and encouraged me!) that there's more going on behind the scenes then I realize--in the spirit realm. When we pray, it changes the atmosphere, and the 'unseen' often is what is changing, so we think nothing's happening. We live out here in the booines. A few months after we moved here, we found out that our next door neighbor is the daughter and step-daughter of pastors of a church in our "denomination", and she's away from the Lord (not sure if she was ever with the Lord). She lives with her boyfriend and is really put off by the church. Her step-brothers go to church with me, and in the words of one of them, "She's a tough nut to crack." You can just look at her, and see she's lived a hard life. I'd only met her once last June, when I had extra raspberry trifle from my husband's birthday, left over, and I brought it to her (nice excuse to meet her, eh? Heehee!). We talked a bit, and she told me one of her experiences in church that put her off. At Christmas, I left them a card and some goodies hanging on their doorknob, since no one was home. So I never saw her then, either. So until two nights ago, I'd only met her the once. All that time, however, I've been praying for her. Especially since February. I've been asking the Lord to give me great favor with her (all the while wondering why I'd pray such a thing, where I never see her!). I went over there with my son in stroller, to drop off some food and a sympathy card (as goes country tradition), since her common-law man's father (only 66) had died suddenly. Perfect timing. They were going to the wake and were outside. When "Ann" (not her real name) saw me, her face lit up. She even remembered my son's name. She thanked me for the Christmas thingy. I told her how I was believing God for a miracle for her mom (stage 4 cancer and yet she doesn't feel or look sick at all) and Ann said she was too! So anyways, this "hard nut to crack" came to me and HUGGED ME!!! Something's changing in her! That favor I have been praying for? I got it! And I didn't even have to be in her presence....only pray. I went away from there, trying not to weap for joy! God, not only showed me that my prayers are being heard and answered--even when I don't see it--but also reminded me to stop wasting time worrying about trivial things and start "worrying" about the lost souls going to hell! So take heart. Be of good cheer; be encouraged. Maybe you haven't seen change on the outside in a person's situation, but you can't see what's happening in the spirit realm--and that's where it begins. Keep praying for favor with people--even if you hardly see them--and keep praying, period! It is--you are--making a difference! And Jesus is coming soon! He really is! We need to keep laboring a little longer........Remember: "...Be faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)
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| Nothing we do for God as long as He is in it is ever in Vain!!! We personally may never see the rewards of our Labor but we must trust God for it. Thank God for you receiving the reassurance you needed...YOUR PRAYERS ARE BEING HEARD AND ANSWERED!!! |
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| Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing this Lara. It helps to know that ones prayers are not in vain. I mean...I know prayer works, but feel the same as you felt....never seeing some people...what good could it do? Now I see....IT CAN! IT DOES! I shall continue to press on in my prayers. |
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Deb |
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May 16, 2008 at 11:10am |
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| Yes prayer does work, although we can be awfully impatient at times! |
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Lara, spoken (or written) with pure wisdom. You are right on, lady.
"Be of good cheer; be encouraged. Maybe you haven't seen change on the outside in a person's situation, but you can't see what's happening in the spirit realm--and that's where it begins."
Sometimes we may never know, but every now and then, God let's us see. I think it makes Him smile - kinda like showing a kid a surprise gift and seeing their heart warm. He does it all the time...just because He loves us.
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Janie |
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May 16, 2008 at 11:38am |
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| thanks for sharing Lara - it gives me the "want to keep praying" for ones I do not see that often or avoid me for their own reasons, mainly they feel uncomfortable when I bring up that I am praying for them. |
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Joey |
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May 16, 2008 at 12:23pm |
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| Just awesome, and teary too. |
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JayKTX |
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May 16, 2008 at 12:38pm |
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| How encouraging! Thanks for sharing this prayer victory with us. |
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| Pray, pray. pray! Thanks for sharing this. |
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Awesome Sister or Jesus Girl I try to pray always for others and just to have fellowship with Our Heavenly Father! Some how I have three prayer sites the more I pray the more Our Father gives me to pray for to have more fellowship with Him and others.For prayers to work we must put it into action by talking and listening to God and doing what He ask! God answers all prayer sometimes yes sometimes no or not yet!
GOD BLESS,
Bro. |
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Jen |
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May 16, 2008 at 1:09pm |
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| Great example!!! I'm glad you shared this, and that you didn't give up! |
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stu |
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May 16, 2008 at 1:30pm |
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| You sound like me LA, whoa have we got a lot in common, I tell you we have an eternity to express these things, LOL, love Stu |
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| I truly enjoyed reading this post. I want to thank you for taking the time to type this. It has encouraged me to keep walking forward for my Lord. Thanks again! Love! |
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| Lara: James 5:16 says that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." You might not consider yourself righteous, but God has declared your righteous! You are the righteousness of God in Christ. When you pray earnestly and faithfully you will see results. Keep growing and pressing in, and you will start to see some amazing things! That is a great testimony! PRAISE GOD! |
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| Beautiful, Lara! I have had so many prayers answered lately. I am in awe! Thanks for the post! |
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| so very very wise you are, and kind and loving and sweet and real and funny too. Great post Lara. Bless you! |
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Alli |
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May 18, 2008 at 4:18pm |
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| Great blog as always, Lara! Wonderful story. It is very inspiring for I have wondered as of late whether my prayers are being heard. This is an encouraging word! Bless you for sharing! |
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Lara, how encouraging! I have 3 wayward grown sons, one has mental illness, and another is in the occult. The middle one is living like the world, and not in fellowship anywhere. I will not lose heart, but will continue to pray, pray, pray for these prodigals, and fast too! Thank you for this word of encouragement!
Blessings,
Karen |
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Beauty for ashes, yeah, I agree! I guess that's why the Word says not to grow weary in well doing, eh? Valerie, I think many of us feel that way sometimes, like our prayers are going up in the air and evaporating. But God hears. I am glad it encourages you to press on. that's why I shared it (plus it got me so excited!). Deb, moi? Impatient??? lol Yes, I am. How did you know??? lol Voice, well put. yes, cuz He loves us...and knows when we need that extra bit of encouragement, eh? 4Given, likely conviction they feel around you. that's a good thing! It means you are doing something right! Keep on praying! Joey, I fought back tears! :) Happy ones. Janell & Keith, you're welcome. Always happy to have you "guys" to share with! Doyle, a life devoted to prayer is definately not a life wasted. Love ya, bro. Jen, habit more than anything. lol I just keep on praying...feel repeatitive...but it pays to pray. Stu, I look forward to hanging out in eternity....so long as your mansion isn't too close to mine. LOL Just teasing ya, bro. Denise, you are welcome. Totally to encourage everyone! Brother Todd, Amen. I often forget that, cuz I don't "feel" like it or act it oft times. Or because I pray sometimes very distractedly. He still honors it. Grandma! Deb :) I hope I got your real name right....everyone's messing me up with username changes. lol Isn't it just awesome? Encourages you so much! great joy! Robin {blush} Takes one to know one??? lol You are many wonderful things too! Thanks for making me feel special. Alli, they are. :) Be encouraged! Karen, I went so far from the Lord, it ain't even funny. Mommy's prayers are super duper powerful, I think cuz of the love they have for their kids. Trust me: Your prayers are doing amazing things....like keeping them alive! My parent's prayers are why I was kept alive, inspite of my lifestyle! I could have/should have been dead many times...but thanks to their prayers.....Keep on pounding heaven for their souls....send me a PM and let me know their names so I can add them to my "prayer book." |
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| Lara, how I have missed this I don't know! It was so refreashing to read! Thank you so much for the post! It spoke volumes to my heart! Bless you! |
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| SugaBOOGA (not booger-lol), I am so glad! I was hoping that me being encouraged, would encourage others! He is at work! :) Thanks for reading! |
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Glenn |
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May 19, 2008 at 10:56am |
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Lara,
God is good and He is always working in us and through us! I agree with Brother Todd above, when he quoted James. Yes God uses us even when we don't feel particularly righteous, because it is not our righteousness but His that covers us. Keep praying, even when you don't feel like it, because He is using you!
peace |
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| Glenn, Amen. I will cuz I gave my word. :D |
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