Early in my Christian walk, I was encouraged to begin journaling… something I had never even attempted before. The picture above is what I believe to be, one of my first ever attempts at a journal/prayer request. I came across my journal the other day and found this entry from March 2006. I have to confess, this is the only page in the entire journal I wrote on.. Ok, so I wasn’t super successful at my first attempt in journaling...
For the last four years, I have become diligent with my journaling and I have to say this was not an easy task - to sit down and put my feelings and prayer requests on paper. I was anxious about the time I would have to put towards my writing, and what would I really get from it anyway? And what if someone got ahold of what I was writing? I just didn’t see any value in putting my thoughts on paper… probably a guy thing. I know now, that this journaling effort was really an opportunity for me to let God work in my life - and an opportunity for me to seek Him in faith.
Looking back over the last four years of journaling – about 2 to 3 times a week – I have learned that this is a process that takes effort, but I have also found that there is a real and spiritual side of journaling that is very rewarding. That part comes from being able to see how God has answered prayers in my life. I am not the type to look back or dwell in the past, however I am able to take time now and again, and see what God is doing or has done in my life because of my journaling. I found so many instances of Him working in my life that I would have never realized, had it not been for my journal. Looking at this journal entry from 2006, I count 9 answered prayers - several of which I had forgotten about.
GOD IS GOOD.
I share this for many reasons. The first is, being that it’s a new year, we are often excited to start something new… like a new journal. Starting something new can seem challenging and it might not happen the first time or you might start, and not be consistent about it, but I want to encourage you - when it comes to your walk with God, don’t give up. If He’s calling you to do something, keep plugging away. I believe I needed to write my prayer requests and thoughts down on paper… it might not be the same thing for you. However, whatever your “new thing” is, I know God is calling all of us to draw closer to Him. What step are you going to take in that direction?
The second reason I write, is to share how amazing God is at answering our prayer requests. Start writing them down – live by faith – and watch God work wonders. Finally, my encouragement to you is also a reminder to me. I have not been consistent in blogging recently and with this new year, my desire is to be more open and proactive in posting on my blog this year. I am looking forward to growing alongside each of you, and praising God for another year in doing His work.
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered… “I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:22, 24
