This might shock some people, what I'm about to say. It's pretty radical, and a little out-there.
But.
Daily devotional time will radicalize your prayer life. I'm living, breathing, testifying evidence.
I'll be honest with you. I've never in my life done a devotional for more than three days. I've always wanted to want to do a daily devotional, but I just never had the drive.
But I was walking through a bookstore about a month ago when I decided to give it another go. I happen to know this girl who, although is only a handful of birthdays older than me, I've grown to love and respect, and seek her counsel. She often stands as an example of what a Godly woman looks like for me (no pressure, right!), and she has seriously impeccable taste in just about everything. So I shot her a quick text, asking her if she knew of any particularly great devotionals. She replied with two words.
Jesus Calling.
That's literally all the text said. So I walked over to the 'religion' section of the book store, and there it was. This really beautiful little leather-bound book. I read what it was about and opened to one of the days. It seemed pretty good so I figured, what do I possibly have to lose, other than a couple of bucks?
That's the beginning of how I found one of the most life-changing books I've ever read.
I'll admit: I've had some off days. Some days I get caught up in life and Jesus Calling gets pushed back. But I can honestly say a month later and most days I still wake up thinking, I get to hear from God today. And I truly mean that.
I won't get into everything right now, but I can tell you that on two very specific days what was written was word for word exactly what I had prayed about. And every single day, the day's devo is applicable to my life. I don't know how to explain it other than I actually think that book rewrites itself when I close it.
Like I said. Daily devotions change you.
I pray for things differently. I pray for myself differently. When it comes down to it, I just talk to God differently. I'm less selfish in my prayer life. (Less selfish, not selfLES but we're working on it)
And it's new and exciting and unbelievably frightening.
Because here's another shocking revelation: when you earnestly and devotedly seek God- when you make time to talk to Him- when you choose to honor your commitment to Him- He talks back.
It's been my experience this past month that He starts off quiet. Just barely there. You feel something almost physically nudging at your heart, and something deep inside of you begins rustling. And you talk again. And it gets louder. And clearer. Like two people at opposite ends of a tunnel, walking towards each other. With every step, He gets clearer.
And often times I cry out to God and wonder why He never speaks to me, without worrying about what would happen if He actually did.
Well, I'd like to tell you what happens when God talks back.
Things get messy.
Plans get changed.
Hearts get molded.
Desires change.
And things get messy.
I've been praying for a month now about where God wants me to be, and what He wants me to be doing, and how He wants me to glorify Him.
I can say in all honesty that I was sincere when I said where You go I will go, where You lead I will follow.
I just didn't expect Him to actually lead me anywhere.
Well, He did.
Seeing how long I've already made this post, I'll cut to the chase. God has very clearly called me back to Illinois. For how long, and for what purpose, I'm not completely clear. But I am clear that God is outstandingly good, and His plan is only to prosper me, and give me a hope and a future.
And more short-term, God has called me to Africa, namely Uganda and Kenya, in May/June of 2013. But more on that later.
So in approximately 12 hours I'll be officially starting a new chapter as I drive back home to Illinois, riding on the coattails of my magnificently Sovereign King.
I have no idea what tomorrow holds, literally. But I have a peace that passes understanding. And that's all I could ask for.
In Christ,
Ash
