Be Specific

When Nathan and I moved to New Orleans, we knew one of the most important things we needed to find was a church. As I blogged about earlier this year, we were told about Vintage NOLA Church in Uptown so we decided to try it out. We have gone every Sunday since and we love the people there. God has truly blessed us with an amazing small group, who we now look at as an extended family. Lately we've been discussing prayer and how many people have completely lost faith in prayer. We all say "Oh I'll pray for you" or "You're in my prayers"...but are we actually praying??? So in our group, we've challenged each other to make prayer one of the most important things in our life.
Last night when we were discussing prayer requests, Nathan and I asked everyone to pray that our house would sell because we are very burdened by this weight. One of our friends said, "When would you like to sell your house?" Of course we said, "NOW!" And he replied, "Well then you need to be specific in your prayers. Pick a date." I think everyone in the room was a little shocked but then we all looked at each other and realized...that makes perfect sense! Why aren't we specific with our prayers? Do we think God isn't powerful enough to make things happen? Of course not, so be specific! We discussed it for a minute and decided on October 1st. Pray that our house will sell by October 1st. So everyone gathered around us and prayed aloud for God to take away this burden by October 1st, so we can complete our original plans of using the money for HIS glory. I've said from day one that I believe Satan knows exactly how much good is going to come from our house selling and the money being used to bless others, so he is going to use everything in his might to not let that happen. But God is much more powerful than that, so we have 100% faith that He will overcome this.

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”. Matthew 18: 19-20

I was crying my eyes out but I had this peace come over me that everything was going to be alright. The faith of our friends last night could have moved mountains and it helped Nathan and I to increase our faith. I'm still praying that God will help my disbelief because I am only human and it's much easier to look at the glass half empty. I've learned in the past couple of years the importance of strong Christian friends surrounding you. I have been lifted up when I'm down, held when I needed comfort, and prayed for when I needed help. Praise God for my brothers and sisters in Christ.



"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24