Occasionally, I write out my prayers. Friends of mine have testified to how this practice serves as landmark moments in their memory bank so that when God answers the prayer, they can recall His Goodness and Faithfulness in their lives. The written prayers also become particularly encouraging in future waiting seasons in order to recount how God made a way before. This strengthens one’s faith that He’ll come through again. Considering the Words I had been given lately (Rest! & I will supply!¹), I had a lot to reflect on, so much, so I decided to pray earnestly.

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I’d like to share part of my recent written prayer with you now…

Heavenly Father, You know that I trust that You know what is best for me. I’m having a hard time letting go…again. You see all and know all². Psalm 139 says, You know my coming and going, my lying down and rising. You know all of my thoughts before I even think them. So You truly get me. I think I’m a bit scared though. I believe You’re calling me to a deeper faith and trust in You.

We have such a great history that I know my financial needs will be provided. You’ve certainly proven that. I admit that I would like to know more of the details of Your plan.  I hear You saying (on repeat) that You Will Supply. But how? When? And in what manner? Nevertheless, as stated in Your Word, Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine.³ “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.⁴”  

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A former pastor of mine used to say that if you were having trouble either hearing from God or unsure of your next steps, go back to His last Word and make sure you were obedient to it. I think God wants me to reduce my work responsibilities to gain more time and improve my health. In addition, I’ve been feeling led to re-work my financial plan as a result. A voluntary reduction in income sources when economic uncertainty is at its peak does not seem wise from a human perspective. Yet, God is limitless and never confined to this human experience or any related challenges. God is Sovereign, All-Powerful and More than Enough! Anything He states will come to pass⁵ and He’ll cause it to work for my good⁶.

”Why, my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.⁷”

So I’m laying it all out before God. I’m journaling, I’m praying with the expectation that He will hear and answer me⁸. I’m seeking God for wisdom and clarity because I know that He will provide the direction in which I’m to go.

God’s directives often require sacrifice. I have to lay down my idea of knowing more information and having the full plans. I have to release the idea of a Plan B that requires leaning on my own strength. My will has to continually die upon the altar. This is a faith move. I’m ready to take the next step. How about you?

Reflective moment: Perhaps you’re in a similar moment in time, where you’re at a crossroads in choosing between a plan you have made or solutions you’ve contrived versus a God-given Word where quite possibly only the next step is revealed. God certainly calls us all out on the water⁹ during this faith journey. Take some time to get still. Write out your prayer to God. Date it. Exercise your faith. Listen for instruction and be obedient for what God tells you to do next, knowing He’ll reveal all other steps of His Plan in time.  Rest in the fact that God is trustworthy and faithful. Don’t forget to go back to the written prayer to note the date He answers it and your process your gratitude for how intimately involved our God is within our lives. God’s in the details!

Footnotes: ¹ Check out prior blog posts for more context. ² Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13; Job 28:23-24. ³ Isaiah 55:9; Habakkuk 2:3  ⁴ Psalm 139:6 NKJV. ⁵ Isaiah 55:11 ⁶ Romans 8:28. ⁷ Psalm 42:5 NIV. ⁸ See James 1:5-8 & Hebrews 11:6. ⁹ Reference to Peter in Matthew 14:25-33