Day 4 Lessons of Faith

Today I got up a little earlier today because I knew today was the last day of the 21 day fast for my church and there was a particular prayer request that I asked would come to pass by February aka(tomorrow). I spent time in the word and praying and crying out to God to have faith and not doubt and to remain in Him. The previous night I reviewed Matt. 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you as well." And today even though I stayed up a little later and did not get as much sleep, I was just wired. God gave me so much energy that by tonight my friends were asking me if I was on drugs because my eyes were so awake.
In the morning I had a great time of worship, reading and prayer. I read Mark 8 and Jesus says in verse 34 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." I normally pray this every morning, but I felt that God was speaking to me, stop saying it and do it. Today at work I started to talk about my faith openly and I believe God was using me to listen to others as they opened up to me about their struggles in life. I realized today just how broken people are and that no matter how secure or tough they seem they are really desperately insecure and lonely without Christ. I hope that it will lead to future conversations. It was interesting that sometimes people asking you if you go to strip to clubs can become the segue for a spiritual conversation. Later that day after work I met with a friend of mine to pray and talk about what God had been doing in our lives. We started crying to God on behalf of each others needs and after the prayer meeting I got a text from my brother saying the prayer was answered. I had been looking for a roommate for over a month and could not find anyone. I put on our church prayer list that God would bring a roommate by February. I was beginning to doubt if God was going to come through, I even confessed my unbelief to my friend I had just met with. But the answer came while I was praying and not just then but God had actually prevented this one man from ever even getting a hold of the person of his first choice in apartments. God did not make a way for the two guys that were perhaps more preferable, but rather for the guy that needs Christ the most and he himself testified that what happened seemed supernatural. I pray that the man can come to know Christ through living in my room and communicating with myself and my brother and seeing our lives as we follow Christ. If anyone is reading this, I ask that you would keep Greg in your prayers that he may be won for Christ. It is worth paying an extra months rent if this young man gets to know Jesus Christ by taking this room. I do not claim to know the ways of God, but I know he exists and that he answers prayers.

Finally, I read this today and I hope it encourages you as it did me. It was written by a young African pastor who was martyred not too long ago.

"I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.
My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.
I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"

God Bless, and good night!