By Prayer Alone

Ever test God? Ever ask for a sign?

Well, though I don't make a habit of it, I will confess to you now that I have done it at least 4 times.

• Time #1 - I was driving to the Y in Oviedo, Fl. A new Christian, I was praying in my car and my Bible was in the front passenger seat. Maybe I shouldn't say praying, more like complaining. Trying to fit in at church and make a difference was starting to drive me a little crazy. A little, nagging voice said, "See! This is why you stayed away from church for your entire life! It is politics and bureaucracy, just like you thought!"So at the red light on Red Bug Lake Road, I opened my Bible and got this Word from God -

  

  Yup! That is the date that I added at the red light - another confession!

  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Gal 6:9-10 Ok, so... 

• Time #2 - I was a $20 in the plate person.

It has always bugged me that I get little envelopes with my number on them. Though I understand for accounting that this is a good thing, I did not trust the human church with my money. My money - how silly! During the pruning and the growth, God took His time with me on this and through the years I have become a first fruits type of gal. Though the small, nagging voice has hounded me many a time, the Holy Spirit has proven true and given me the encouragement needed when tempted to listen. A huge step came when a Pastor spoke this Word over me one Sunday - "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.  You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:7-10 Test me in this! He said it! And I now believe it!

• Time #3 - This test happens a lot... Should we go to Africa? "Yes!" Says the Lord. "But, I want a new bathroom!" Says me... Really!!!!  "Not sure I have the money for the trip."Says me. "You will if you put off the new bathroom to go and visit people who have NO bathroom." Says the Lord.

  

  Yes! That is my 1962 Mint Chip original - Hey! It works! And now 7 months later, we have the funds for a
  re-do:)

  Another time I was prompted to buy a ticket., and make a commitment. "Just do it." Says the Lord. I just did it, and within two days a refund from an insurance mistake arrived at our home for the exact amount of the airfare and a dinner to go with it. "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

• Time #4 - Recently read, "Dr. Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secrets."

  

  Read it! This is one amazing book! You won't be sorry!

He was a missionary to inland China in the mid 1800's. He NEVER asked for funding, and never incurred debt. He simply prayed for funds, workers and the country of China. George Mueller was a contemporary of his who lived in England. He ran an orphanage, and NEVER asked for funding. Mr. Mueller actually supported Dr. Taylor's ministry through praying for specific missionaries and funds. After receiving them he would mail them to Dr. Taylor. I figured, if it worked for them, maybe it would work for us. No door offering, and no asking. Just prayer, and God has mightily provided for all the work we will do. AMAZING! He has heard the prayers of the orphan and the widow and has provided for their needs. 

Well, I confess all of the above. Writing this has given me more encouragement that God is true to His Word, and His promises. I hope it has done the same for you! Feel free to confess your testing below, but personally it scares me a little, so I am going to try and not make a habit of it. 

That is why they call it FAITH!