Today is day 1 of the Draw the Circle Lenten Challenge. This is my second time through Mark Batterson’s book Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge. Actually I am on Day 39 from the first read through and also starting Day 1 on the second read through. At the time I started this book, I picked February 11th as my end date and did not think incorporating lent into my plan.
I was about 1/4 of the way through the book when I decided to re-read it for lent. Doing this prayer challenge has been amazing. There is something special in upping your prayer time, and praying specific verses over your life and the lives of others.
What God Is Not
While I believe reading Mark’s book during Lent or any other time of year will change your life, God is NOT a vending machine or a genie in a bottle.
There is no guarantee God will answer your prayers during this 40 day challenge.
Although I guarantee you if you stick with this, you will grow in your faith.
My Unanswered Prayer
He has not answered all my prayers.
I applied and got a phone interview with a company that works the unemployed. After all, I’ve rebuilt my life after Joe’s passing and have spent 7 1/2 years working on rebuilding and stabilizing my career, and learning new technology so who better to be a “cheerleader” and provide encouragement to the unemployed?
I have prayed, begged, and told the mountain this situation represents to go jump in Lake Erie.
However, God said “No” or maybe it is “Not Yet.”
And so I keep working on developing other plans and taking other roads that may lead to career stabilization.
Thank You
During this challenge please remember to thank God for who He is and all He has done, is doing and will do in your life. If you do not see Him working in your life, ask Him to open your eyes to His abundant goodness that surrounds you.
I am praying for all of you who are taking up this challenge. I know God will work in and through you.
You are welcome to email me at michele dot kearns @joyreturns dot com and update me on how He is impacting your life this Lenten season.
JoyReturns 