Praying Big 👣 

I am sitting in this coffee shop looking back at 2016 and think to myself…last year at this time I didn’t think I would be in Thailand on a missions trip for 3 months! I was going through so much on the inside (physically and emotionally). I had gone through many surgeries, multiple deaths in the family, and so much more! I was not in a good place with God and needed to fully realize that. It took going to Thailand to realize that.

Coming into 2017 I have one question for myself…

“What do you want me to do for you Lord?” 

 I have some goals and prayers for myself as well… 

-to pray bigger prayers

-fully invest in my quiet times 

-build a relationship with my community 

-spend more time investing in the youth in my town 

-find a church that best fits me 

Prayer

This past week I have realized how import prayer is. I have been reading this book called, “The Circle Maker” By: Mark Batterson. It is such a great book to read. With praying you might not think that it works but I am living proof and here to tell you it works. Even when you die your prayers live on. One thing I love in the book it says, “You’ve got to define the promises God wants you to stake claim to, the miracles god wants you to believe for, and the dreams God wants you to pursue.” Most of us have no idea what we want to do in life. How many of you knew exactly what you wanted to do at 18 years old? I didn’t and I still don’t know. I watch my little brother as he is struggling not sure what to do with his life. Honestly that is okay I encourage everyone to take a year off before going to college or university. Find yourself and find God before going and living for yourself. That goes back to asking God “what do you want me to do for you?” My knowing what God wants from us is also okay. That is where praying comes in. I really encourage you to read this book. Each chapter is so inspiring and so good! In chapter 3 it says, “We stake claim to different promises in different situatiosn. It’s a moving target, but you have to start somewhere. Why not start here, right now? Don’t just read the Bible. Start circling the promises. Don’t just make a wish. Write down a list of God- glorifying life goals. Don’t just pray. Keep a prayer journal. Define your dream. Claim your promise. Spell your miracle.” Like ahh that is just SO GOOD! I shared a short testimony on Sunday and I shared that the past 5+ years I have prayed for happiness and joy and never really got it. Over the past month I have never felt more joy and more happiness in my entire life. That is because I have God in my life. 

I never fully understood when people said Jesus gave them joy what that meant. I thought they were crazy but I can henestly testify that I am so happy and have SO much joy inside me. I encourage everyone to not only read this book but keep a prayer journal or make a prayer room in your house. Prayers are so important. But I want to tell you. Don’t be discouraged if your prayers aren’t answered right away or they aren’t answered in the way you want. Just because you pray for something doesn’t mean it will come out the way you want it to. I prayed for years for happiness and it took a little while to get to me but God answered that prayer. When I prayed for my grandma God had different plans. I was sad at first when she passed but now I know she is in a better place. She gets to be with Jesus everyday and knowing I will see her again makes me so happy! 

Some prayers I have for you to be praying for… 

-my team mates Ali and Jeremy 

-my family 

-bigger prayers 

-my team to pray for boldness. “Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.”  

–to see miracles happen 

I love you  all and I am praying big for you! 

Rachel ❤ 🐒