Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. Simon and those who were with him searched for him. They found him and told him, 'Everyone is looking for you.' He said to them, 'Let's go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.' Mark 1:35-38 WEBIt was early morning when I walked into my little prayer room here. I rarely slept anymore. Our computer business had utterly dried up, and we had not had any work in several months. The pressure and stress on us were incredible. I could not find a job anywhere. It was a very dark time for me.
The worst part was the silence. I usually try and walk close to the Lord, but this time it was different. When I prayed, I only heard crickets and bill collectors. We had come down to the last week in our home and were preparing to move out, for we could no longer pay the utility bills. I felt abandoned and alone. I tried to pray, but after no words came, I just sat in the quiet.
That was the day that God spoke back. As I sat there, I saw a vision of me entering a boxing ring and putting on the gloves. It looked like I was alone from the back, but I could see the Lord standing behind me as the view panned around. He was standing outside the ring like a coach, and He said these words:
He said, "You are not alone, for I am in your corner, and I have prepared you for this day. Now get in there and fight!"
By the end of the week, I had a new job as a pastor. Then a friend stepped in and paid our bills for the month. This was not faith or praying and believing. It was not a "name it and claim it" scenario, for I had no idea what was coming. Not once in my life had I saw myself as a pastor, but He's the Boss. This is just an example of what having a personal relationship with God can add to your life. While we were busy seeking Him, He was silently lining things up in the background for us.
Jesus rose early in the morning while it was still dark, and He went out to pray in a quiet place. During this time, He received instructions, strength, wisdom, and He made important decisions. He chose the twelve apostles in the morning after spending all night in prayer (Luke 6:12).
Would Jesus have performed all the miracles that He did if He had not taken the time to pray and listen? Would this have happened to me if I had not taken the time to pray and listen? Find that special place where you can be alone with the Lord and even when times are bad, go there and wait for direction.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please speak to my heart and help me recognize Your voice. Give me direction and help me focus on the right things today, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
RHM Prayer Network > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
In Jesus name I ask Amen.
Amen Father I Thank You for hearing my prayers
Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen
Amen. Please speak to me Lord. Amen
Amen
Speak to us Jesus and we will listen.We love and worship you. Amen
amen
Give me direction and help me focus on the right things today
Amen and Amen
God bless you Pastor Dion Todd
Amen
Amen!!
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Amen thank you Father for your love and friendship
Amen
God is so faithful to affirm us, Pastor Dion! I wrote this very prayer in my journal this morning before I read your devotional -- Praise you, Lord! Speak to my heart and help me recognize Your voice. Give me direction and help me focus on the right things today, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Thank You Father for Your guidance and protection, Amen!
I know for a fact that God has a very interesting sense of humor. I often retreat to a field behind my house when I seek quiet time with the Lord. A few days ago I was in utter despair and pleaded for God to send me strength. I closed my eyes, reclined in the soft grass. Within seconds, I was startled by a Bearnese Mountain dog that came to lick my face!
Heavenly Father thank You for Your love and care, I know that You are there for us and with prayers and petitions You will listen to our cry. Make Your word understandable to us and we will follow Your will. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen. Lord You are our everything.
Great devotional testimony Pastor, God bless you and Sylvia.
Heavenly Father please speak to me
Amen
Thank you Pastor Dion for another fantastic devotional. Much love coming your way
Amen !!! The Lord works in mysterious ways !!!
God you've gotten us through so many issues and I thank you. I know you love us. Keep your favor on us. Open doors. Thank u Jesus. Amen
Amen!
Yes Lord, amen