She Obeyed

I spent the first half of my day sitting quietly, reading, praying, listening – exhausted, frustrated and fearful.  I just couldn’t seem to shake it.  To be honest, I haven’t been able to shake it for a few weeks.  I’ve been nasty as a result – no patience at all, unmotivated, a bit confused.  It was like being back in depression. 

So today, I figured I am not going to worry about things, I’m going to sit and read and pray and listen – try to get an answer or some direction from the Lord.

Well, it was just after 3 and my daughter spoke on the phone with her best friend who is moving to San Diego in 2 days.  Today would be the last chance to see her.  I knew I didn’t want to miss this opportunity for the girls to spend time together but I was so exhausted and frustrated.   I told my daughter how I was feeling. 

She said (a bit shyly) “I feel like I should pray for you”.  So I said, “Then you should.”  She folded her hands and said a simple prayer.  Then she looked at me and said (a bit shyly again)  “I feel like I should lay hands on you.”  “Then you should,” I answered as I tried to swallow my pride and give humility a chance.  “And you should probably pray in the Spirit,” I added.   So she came behind me and laid her hands on my shoulders and prayed in the Spirit so quietly I couldn’t hear her. 

Let me tell you, I was being humbled as I joined her in praying in the Spirit.  But I fought every thought that tried to deny that this would help and I listened to what the Lord was saying.  And do you know, He showed me what my problem was.  Abby finished with an Amen and I continued in prayer, making sure I allowed the revelation to sink in.  Then I grabbed the Bible, and the Lord began showing me verses in Hebrews that were like ammunition against the heaviness I felt.  

Abby helped me break through.

My greatest obstacle was revealed (which was my attitude) and then God was able to deal with the lies that were swarming around my head while I wallowed.  

You know, I have told my children so many times that not wanting to do something makes it harder to do.  So sometimes you have to stop not wanting to do it and just do it.  Well, with my husband gone most of the time because of his business and regular job, I have been feeling the pressure of caring for the family on my own.   Without realizing it, I developed an “I don’t want to do this anymore” attitude.  What a drag – what a joy killer.  Not only that, but it opened the door for condemnation and guilt to creep in and constantly nag me from every direction. 

But a simple moment of obedient prayer with my unsuspecting daughter and the Light broke through my darkness.  I could tell by the expression on her face that she wasn’t real sure about what she was doing and she felt a little bashful.  But she obeyed. . .  And God answered.

I am humbled.

I am thankful – forever grateful to God for helping me . . .

 for speaking to my daughter and touching her heart . . .

 for giving her the courage to step out in faith . . .

and pray for her mom.