Give Us the Power...

Today was Starved Rock Day here at IBLP HQ. It really was a great time with my amazing friends that I have come to get to know over my time here at HQ. They are so much fun. We drank energy drinks on the way down, had a sorta staff meeting there, ate a huge Southern meal of fried chicken, played football (not the best idea in the world right after lunch), then had plenty of time to think on the drive back. Was a fun day.

But during the day, Dr. Fredrickson prayed a prayer that I have been thinking about all this evening. He said, "...Lord, give us the power to be more effective for Your glory." Wow...Something in me said, "Yes Lord, thats what I need!" I know that I am nothing, that I am so small, that nothing about me is good...I am reminded that the only true smile that I can wear, and the only time I have the ability to love others is when He gives me the power to do so. Without Him, I can do nothing. I want only Him to shine through me.  I want the world to know the truth. The truth of the matter is, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him," in the words of John Piper. Very true.

So I prayed that He would show His power in me however He saw fit. Then walking to my house, I met a friend along the way. I stopped, and we talked for awhile...seeing that it might be the last time I ever see him again. He has been really down due to some circumstances and the Lord just put the words in my mouth to encourage him. God so showed His power to me. I was really humbled that God even answers my prayers (sometimes quickly) much less hears them! So many take that for granted...
I was encouraged to see the work that God has been doing in his life. But what really shocked me was, as we parted he told me, "You know, I was actually praying that i would get to see you one last time, then I ran into you! I needed to talk to you." That was humbling again, God cares about such seemingly small things even like letting two friends meet...wow. So here i am thanking Him for the answered prayer. Then he said, "Thank you for your friendship. You are one of three people in this world that I have opened up to...thanks for letting God use you." Something in me like melted as God just said to me, "Before you ask of it, I know your needs...I am before all things and by me, all things consist." Folks, GOD IS BEFORE ALL THINGS!!! HE IS THE 'I AM THAT I AM'!!! Praise Him!

I am honestly speechless right now...amazed. He is so good to me. He knows how to make my day! :)
Thought I'd share that!

May the Lord give you the power to be more effective for His glory,

Josh