Tag: Mark

Expecting an Answer

I was reading about the four men who lowered their friend through the roof down to Jesus in Mark 2 this week during church.  It’s the story of the paralyzed man who was healed.  These people brought their friend who couldn’t walk to be healed, and upon getting there, couldn’t get into the room where Jesus was speaking.  Verse 4 tells us that when they couldn’t get through, they went up to the roof, cut a hole in the ceiling and lowered him down to see Jesus.

Mark 2:5 says, “And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”

I don’t know how this feels to you, but this whole story screams of courage.  More importantly it took faith, a tremendous amount of faith.  They had an air of expectancy when they walked up to that house.  They didn’t come hoping Jesus would heal their friend.  They EXPECTED that Jesus would heal their friend.  They believed that Jesus being who He is would heal the man.  And in that day, not only did Jesus forgive the man of his sins and heal him spiritually, He told him to pick up his pallet and go home (vs. 11) and healed him physically.

Do we have that same expectancy when we come to Jesus with our petitions?  I know there are times when I wish His answers were as clear as the answer given to the paralyzed man.  But I also recognize that I need to come to Him with an expectation that He WILL answer my petition…in the way that most brings Him the glory. 

I think that coming to him with the expectation that there will be an answer allows me to be content with whatever the answer is.  Think about those 4 friends and Jesus’s immediate answer to the paralyzed man.  The initial answer wasn’t that he could walk.  He DID, however, give him an answer that still healed.

I pray, Iron Porch, that as we come to the throne of God with our petitions, seeking Christ, that we have that same air of expectancy of an answer.  Because the answer He gives will be the right answer for you.

~Erin

Selfish Prayers

I was thinking about prayer a lot today.  Tomorrow, Peyton turns 18, and I’ve prayed with her every morning before school (whether she wanted to or not).  I’ve prayed for her when she’s hurting.  I’ve prayed for her when she’s had victories.  And now, my prayer changes ever so slightly as she ventures into the realm of ‘adulthood.’

Prayers in general tends to be a hot topic.  We were talking about it a few weeks ago during Table 8’s weekly Bible study.  The discussion of what constitutes a good prayer and how often we don’t take things to God for ourselves because it feels selfish or trivial was on the table.

I was thinking about that later that night.  I don’t believe it’s wrong to pray for something that you want.  Clearly in the Bible, there are passages that tell us that we are tell God what we want.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” –Philippians 4:6

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” –James 1:6

There are even great examples of people who prayed for things that they wanted.  Paul asked the Lord to remove the thorn is his flesh three separate times and God denied the request.  He told Paul that His grace was sufficient and to find strength in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).  Hannah prayed for a baby, and she was finally made pregnant with baby Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11).  Jesus Himself prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane for God to take the cup from Him before He was tortured and ultimately killed (Mark 14:36).

The important thing to remember when we are seeking God in prayer for things that we want, is to recognize and allow for the answer that God gives.  The answer from God will be His will, not necessarily ours.  While we may be thankful for the response that He gives us to a request for some things, we may not like the answer on others. 

We must also understand that if God’s answer is the opposite of what we want or desire in an answer, we are not to take over and ‘make it happen.’  I’ve been guilty of this so many times in my life.  I think I know the answer, God is clearly closing the door, and I still manufacture the outcome, because I’m pretty sure I know better than God…how ridiculous does that sound?!

I pray, dear friends, that as you seek the Lord this week that you share with Him what you want.  Nothing is too trivial for God to hear.  He desires for you to bring it to Him.  Then wait for His answer and trust the outcome.  His way is always the right way!

~Erin

Hot Bread!

Ever had one of those jobs that require you to do something seemingly embarrassing for the sake of the company?  Maybe you have to be part of the singing crew for the rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to some screaming toddler.  You could be the dreaded dancing slice of pizza on the side of the road, spinning and raving to music only you can hear as cars wiz by.  We, at Boudin SF, are required to yell out “HOT BREAD!” after the baker pulls the pillowy loaves of fresh sourdough from the warm oven.

I’m not actually embarrassed by having to shout out this announcement of deliciousness.  In fact, if you’ve read my previous blog, you’ll know that I love my job and therefore try to make everything I do there awesome….like singing “HOT BREAD” as if I was Kelly Clarkson.  My impression is incredibly spot on, down to the hand strategically cupped over my ear as if I’m holding my headphone in place while recording my #1 hit.  It’s true brilliance, really.  No one knew I had it in me.  And judging by the laughter coming from my co-workers, I really don’t have it in me.

Today was no different.  John, our head baker, shouted those two delectable words from the bakery, and we all hollered the same in return.  But I got to thinking later in my shift about how I truly get excited to turn those seemingly two simple words into something delightful and wonderful for the co-workers and guests around me.  Do I do the same when I’m excited about how God is transforming my life?

Countless times in the past year, God has moved what felt like mountains for me.  He’s been incredibly clear in His direction for my life, and blessed me with gracious moments that only He can give a person seeking Christ.  I share those moments with those closest; Emily, my mom, dad, and bible study group (known as Table Eight).  Do the friends outside of that incredibly small community, however, see the excitement of the fruit of God’s labor in my life?

I feel strongly that as a believer, Christ’s light shines through you.  The closer of a relationship you have with Him, the brighter the light becomes.  I feel as part of that shining light, I should be sharing the joyful celebrations of miracles and answers to prayer to those same people, as well.  Some may think I’m weird when I do, and of course I’m not advocating doing something crazy or inappropriate at your workplace or as you’re walking down the aisle at your grocery store.  What I’m encouraging myself and others to do is not be afraid to share your witness of answered prayer or direction with those folks around you.  You never know how your testimony may encourage someone to seek a personal and deeper relationship with our Savior.  And that’s what it’s all about—sharing God’s love with others.

The bible says in Mark 16:15 (KJV) “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Part of that “GO” and “PREACH” is your testimony, and your testimony is not only your personal story of redemption, but how God has transformed, molded and shaped, and answered prayer for you, as well!

So, go!  Don’t be afraid to share!  Shout out your good news from the rooftops!  And if you want to add a little flair to it, do it!  A little Kelly Clarkson rendition never hurt anyone.

Is there any good news you want to share?  Comment below, and let us share in your excitement!

~Erin