From each of their reactions, I expected to find a gigantic spider that had crept into the house through some small, undetected crevice. I figured it had to be pretty sizable to evoke a response like that from the Hobbs crew. They tend to like bugs for the most part. I think their fascination with them is due, in part, to watching Disney's "A Bug's Life" some time ago... so I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about.
Turns out, it was just a tiny little critter.
In fact, it was much too small for me to determine what type of bug it actually was. I'm not quite sure why the children were all in an uproar. From my perspective, the insect was tiny and harmless... but that was just my perspective.
When it comes to life's issues, our perspective matters. It is not so much what we see, but how we see it, that determines our response. That's why, when we begin to look at our problems through eyes of faith, they don't seem so big and bad after all, do they? Today, as we pray for those on our Thoughtful Thursdays list, I want you to join me in asking God to also shift their perspective. We serve a great big God and there is no situation too great or hard for Him to solve.
1. A man named Rick is requesting prayer on behalf of his wife, a 34 year old woman named Natasha who just lost her third baby. The two of them, who have been married for 13 years, have been trying for 5 years to start a family, and she is devastated over this latest loss. Natasha is in a deep depression. She won't eat or talk. All she does is cry all day, and Rick has never seen her like this before. Today, we're praying that God, who is able to heal all wounds, will touch Natasha and mend her brokenness. We know He is able to restore her peace and joy.
2. A 22 year old single mother who wishes to remain anonymous loves God and is doing her best to serve Him, but she and her boyfriend are struggling to remain celibate. Before meeting this young man whom she says treats her and her child very well, she was in a dark place in her life. She had stopped attending church, because she didn't want to face the judgment and scrutiny, and she was also coping with serious depression. But her boyfriend, who faithfully attends church, inspired her to go back once again. Now that she's getting her life on the right track, the two of them want to be pleasing to God and abstain from sex until they are married. Thus far, they have had very little success in this area. Today, I want you to join me in praying for this couple that the two of them will continue to grow in the Lord and recognize that they already possess the power to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. May God give them the grace and strength they need to stand.
3. A woman who calls herself "Full of Issues" is struggling in several areas of her life. This single mother is feeling restless, unfulfilled, and is underpaid on her job; she really wants to know her true purpose for existence. Aside from barely scraping by financially, she has entered into a romantic relationship (It's been 10 months), but she grapples with severe trust issues that are tied to hurtful experiences in her past. Her inability to trust the integrity of her mate is straining communication in the relationship and causing great tension. Let's join our faith together today and believe God to help her lay her issues at His feet. As she draws close to Him, we're praying that the Father would reveal His will and purpose for her life. Finally, we're trusting the Lord for her emotional healing, so that the pain of her past won't hinder her from seeing clearly, communicating effectively, and making wise choices going forward.
4. A woman named Tamara has been experiencing something inexplicable since 1999. Although she has given her life to the Lord, she hears voices telling her she's "going to hell." According to Tamara, these same voices speak to her regarding future events, and then, she later sees those same things on TV, or reads about them in magazines. The "voices" however, have a penchant for evil and this woman wants to be free from this stronghold. Right now, we stand in the authority of Jesus Christ and plead the blood over Tamara's life. The enemy has no place and no power. We're asking God to break the stronghold off of her life, silence those evil voices, and let her hear the voice of God above all others.
5. A chef named Jacqueline is working to become a private chef, but things aren't happening or coming together as quickly as she would like. Because of that, she is finding it hard not to become distracted, frustrated, and impatient with the process. Today, we're praying for peace, patience, and a positive outlook as she endures her "waiting place." May the God of peace bring rest to Jacqueline's mind and assure her that, in His perfect timing, His will and work will be done in her life.
Thank you so much for joining me in prayer. If you need something from the Lord, allow me and the Daily Cup family to pray for you. He's more than able to meet your need!
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
