Prayers for 2011

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

- Hebrews 11:1

as·sur·ance

 [uh-shoor-uhns, -shur-] 

–noun

1.

a positive declaration intended to give confidence: Hereceived assurances of support for the project.

2.

promise or pledge; guaranty; surety: He gave his assurancethat the job would be done.

3.

full confidence; freedom from doubt; certainty: to act in theassurance of success.

4.

freedom from timidity; self-confidence; belief in one'sabilities: She acted with speed and assurance.

5.

presumptuous boldness; impudence

I'm not big into New Year's resolutions.. for one, they don't work. If you wanted to change, you don't need a new year to do it. However, I completely believe in expecting great things for a new year. 

Some things I'm praying for in 2011.. in other words, things I'm expecting (look forward to). In no particular order:

* a baby for Chandra and Jordan.. they've been waiting a long time and you've built up a great faith in them. They will be awesome parents because of their relationship with the Father. You know their situation and their hurt.. I expect this to be a year of blessing that only You can give.

*a baby for Megan and Andy.. they too have been waiting a long time. You've brought them together during this time and brought them closer to you. They will also be wonderful parents and any kid will be blessed to have them as mom and dad.

*a baby for M and C.. You know their health situation but it doesn't limit Your ability. I pray you use their time of waiting as an opportunity to build them up in faith.

*babies for other couples I know have been waiting but not certain they want their situations shared. You know better than I what their situations are and have a perfect plan that beats ours any day. It doesn't make it easier to understand but it makes the reality of You as provider that much more real.   

*complete healing for Lori. You are Jehovah Rophe (God of healing) and I believe in a complete restoration for her. Doctors are only confusing her and making this process stressful and painful. You alone can heal her completely.

* a baby for us. Abba, you know our situation and I believe you've felt our pain. This has been a journey that I know you've used for your glory. You've raised us up and provided grace for the journey. This experience has been an opportunity to praise you and reach out to other people. We weren't meant to go through struggles alone. This is our dream and we pray expectantly knowing you want to bless us. Levi wants a girl, but I just want a baby.

* a new job for Levi that he can transfer to smoothly as soon as this job ends in June. This has been an opportunity to pay on our debt but you never intended it to be long term. I pray you'll lead us to whatever opportunity you have next. I know it will be local (Conway or LR) and the pay and job description will be what we need to live on and what Levi wants to be happy.

"But when you ask [God], be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord."
- James 1:6-7 NLT

If anyone reading this has anything to add, please send me a message or comment. I very much want to pray for others this year. We can stand in agreement with each other!