Saying Goodbye to the Kitchen Island
Learning to pray through adversity,
Trusting the One you pray upon and wait,
Persevering in prayer is where God changes us.
This I have learned through developing the discipline of prayer.
Initially it seemed odd saying goodbye to our kitchen island. On that final moving day in 2017 as I glanced over the kitchen tears stung my eyes. My heart stopped at the kitchen island and tears poured out. The corner bar stool, overlooking our wooded backyard had become the most special place in the house for me. I sat most mornings for almost 2 decades and it hit me. I would never again sit there and pray to the Creator of the Universe.
In the 17 years spent at Downingtown Point, while raising our kids my prayer life grew and transformed. This was the very spot where God Almighty did His most transforming work in my life. He heard me cry out, often amazed me by His presence while pondering His activity in the details of life. The spot I often searched to see His faithfulness. Where I prayed for wisdom, help with decisions, confessed sin, shortcomings and failures. More than once I asked God to revoke my spiritual gift, only later changed that prayer for Him to help me live in that gift instead of living through myself.
The trials of life can break our hearts or lead us into deep seasons of prayer. We have a choice to turn away, avoid or turn to prayer. This choice leads to extreme contrast of where your life’s journey will take you. James 4:8 tells us “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” I found this true through prayer and staying in HIS word despite my circumstances.
I have walked through intense difficulties as I am sure so have many of you. I choose to pray through those seasons and it is through praying where I have seen God’s presence in astounding ways. Prayer is where God has changed my perspective, granted me wisdom and most of all allowed me to realize just how much He loves me beyond measure.
Prayer has become my lifeline but more it has become my JOY. It is where I seek and find the Lord and there is no greater joy than knowing He is by my side no matter what life brings.
Praying over any circumstances gives me assurance
Whatever the outcome I am confident….. It is God’s will.
Time spent in prayer is where I have learned to listen to God and be inspired to follow Him!
Occasionally I long for that kitchen island or maybe just hold fondly the times spent there with God. I have created two special places at home replacing that kitchen island, spaces where I retreat for prayer and seeking God’s presence. Isn’t that just like God to remove something and give a double blessing?
“Dear Lord,
Thank you Good and Gracious Father for pursuing me in prayer.
I can be thankful for the difficulties, each and every one
As each presented a choice to pray unto the Lord of Heaven’s Army.
Thank you for teaching me through prayer. You can be trusted.
Your perfect will is beautiful and brings peace at the end of each trial.
Thank you for meeting me in prayer. AMEN”
Do you desire assurance by the one who keeps the stars in the sky and the ocean at it shore? Are you walking through a difficult or near impossible circumstance?
Choosing to pray is where peace can be found.
If you would like to learn more on developing your prayer life email tracyarntzen@gmail.com