The Compass
In 2015, the Lord put the word boldness on my heart and asked me to pray for it. Reading through the book of Acts and being moved by the apostles' boldness, I wanted to be more like them. I didn't want to be afraid or hesitant in sharing what God has done with others. As I look back through prayer journals I see the faithfulness of God as I sought--and received--copious amounts of boldness.
2016 had me praying for peace, as my mind was constantly unsettled. I had my life planned out, and the direction I was heading in was clear. Then God said 'no.' Health took a downward spiral, causing school and work plans to change. Opportunities popped up in unsuspecting places, and doors I thought were open just randomly shut. My usual response of panic shifted to peace the more I spent time in prayer, giving my concerns over to God.
Towards the end of 2016, the Lord put the word direction on my mind and I felt compelled to start praying. I thought it was just a one-time prayer. Then when He brought it up again I thought, okay, it's a two-time prayer. But the word keeps coming back, and I'm never settled until I stop and pray about it. One night, He woke me up with the word booming through my head, and it just wouldn't go away. I eventually realized if He's placing it on my heart and mind so much, I should be faithful in constant prayer.
If you know much about me, you probably know I'm a planner. I'm detail-oriented; I have known what direction to go in since I was eight. But now, I'm in a season of uncertainty. In these types of times, I almost expect God to be a GPS. "When you get to 120 college credits, turn right." Instead, I'm finding He's more like a compass. I take my bearing and start to walk, continually checking to be sure I'm still on the right course. (I know that's how compasses work because I took a Maps & Compass class in college so I'm basically an expert now. #not)
So, my prayer in 2017 is that I would trust in the Lord as I learn what direction He wants to lead me in. And that I would be faithful in following whatever direction that is. I want to go where He's calling me, following the true North of the compass.
Proverbs 16 verse 9 says that ultimately, man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps. And as I pray for direction, I'm comforted by His answer straight from His word. He's already directing my steps, even as I'm praying! God is so good.
What has God put on your heart to pray for this year?