A look within...What am I reflecting through my behavior?

Yesterday’s blog was written, I asked my Mom to read it before I posted and then it sat in my “draft folder”. It remains there today. I might still post it later this week, or maybe it will just be deleted and remain between God and myself, and of course my Mom since she played editor and friend for me. Time will tell but for now, I’ve decided to blog about the same topic but in a completely different way after God’s message to me this morning through Pastor Dan.

Let me open with the most profound words (in my opinion anyway) spoken this morning as pastor started his message:

“Values affect your behavior;
 Behavior reflects your values.”
 Pastor Dan Groh

I know, awesome, right? I listened as he spoke it the first time, wrote it down the second time, and reflected on it throughout his message and into the afternoon. Why did this resignate so much with me? For different reason, yet let me share a couple with you. Pastor’s message was about “Prayer is the primary work of God’s people”, for those familiar with the C & MA core values, it’s the second one.  

In a nutshell, Pastor dissected Philippians 4:6-9 to show us that we need to:
1) Pray about EVERYTHING
2) Pray with THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE
3) Result of thankful prayer is CONTENTMENT and JOY AND RECEIVING GOD’S PEACE
 
As if this isn’t enough to have you thinking about your prayer life, as he broke it down and added other Scriptures to highlight even more truths, he revealed there is a need within all of us. We all have needs and it is a prayerful attitude that moves us forward with joy and contentment, not having our circumstances change. This is what brought tears to my eyes and a deeper level of thought on a much more personal level.

Pastor Dan asked the congregation to share a stress or anxiety we are dealing with. I think when we are honest, everyone is dealing with some type of situation or circumstance but we might not share it. My blog yesterday was sharing a great weight on our shoulders currently, one I couldn’t bring myself to share with my church family this morning. Each time I thought about raising my hand, tears welled up in my eyes and I wasn’t sure I could even share the prayer request without crying. Then I found myself having a conversation with myself (in my mind) while we prayed and moved through the morning as I debated why I didn’t share yet I was willing to put it on the blog yesterday? 

Is it because it’s far more humbling to verbally share a prayer request to your family than to write it to your online friends, family, and prayer team? Is it an issue of pride because I don’t want those closest to us to worry? Did I remain mute because I know some of our struggles are self-inflicted and don’t feel worthy of the prayers from others? Is it a combination of these?

If you were me this morning, would you of raised your hand and shared a personal need, fear, struggle, stressor, or object of anxiety in your life? Once everyone who wanted to share was finished, the church prayed for each other. It was such a beautiful expression of love for each other. I opened my mouth to pray a few times and tears started before sound so my prayers for my church family were between God and I. I closed by thanking God for loving us and being the Omni God and for the amazing family of God I belong to.

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In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
 “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time 
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7

If I’m to humble myself and ask for prayer requests, then I must open myself up. There are a couple things weighing on our shoulders currently, things I understand God may choose to answer or might leave us to endure the season YET one thing is for sure – with a prayerful, content, humble, and joyful heart…we will keep our eyes fixed on Him through it all.

If you would like to join us in prayer:
Pray for our current financial situation and that we are able to make our payments on time and glorify God in the process of moving forward out of debt as we live and serve Him. May we all be blessed this year and give witness of God’s love, provision, and faithfulness when we are first faithful and obedient to Him in our lives, finances, and in all we say, think, and do.

Pray for a family member close to us. Last year was a medical struggle and something we’ve kept very private for the sake of this person. As the new year starts, some of last year’s issues are returning and we are praying for 100% healing for her and that she will be able to give testimony of how God healed and provided for us all during this time. There are more doctor appointments and specialists in the months to come, pray they aren’t needed and we are able to provide the
way we need to in this situation.

Can you relate? Will you share a bit below?