Preparing for RAIN!

I heard a story of two farmers. Both farmers prayed for rain, but only one went to prepare his fields. Which one do you think believed that God would answer his prayers?

I love this little parable, it's so simple and yet drives it's point home. If you really believe God will answer your prayers, you'll act upon it!

You may or may not know that I've been praying for God to heal my womb so that I can conceive and have children. Several years ago God pressed upon me to "prepare" for my child. I actually set up the nursery, crib and everything. But we have a very small house and it wasn't long before the space was desperately needed. I know that God will provide when we need a bigger house, so I had to be creative and think of something else that was putting my faith into action.

Here are some of my cloth diapers and accessories!
 YES I have more! :)

I decided that at least once a month I was going to buy something baby related. Anything from maternity clothes to cloth diapers. I had to limit myself because I confess, it's REALLY fun to shop for babies!! I am very selective and only purchase things that I know will not go out of style or will work for boy/girl. My wish list is HUGE and I am absolutely aware that most things on it are frivolous and not necessary at all. But it is fun shopping! And I love reminding myself that God's promises are "Yea and AMEN!" 2 Corinthians 1:20. It's just up to me to keep on the straight and narrow path and believe! He does the rest! (I surely know that after almost 15 years of marriage there is nothing I can do to make it happen!)

I don't pray that God will answer my prayer and heal me. Isaiah 53:5 says "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." He already paid the price when he took the stripes on his back (Mathew 27:26). So instead of asking for a healing, I thank him and praise him for already healing me! And slowly I fill my tote of baby items "preparing for rain".

I also have been spending time preparing my heart. Raising children is not easy these days and I've been blessed with time to read, study and learn as much as possible before I am placed in the situation. I am completely aware that no matter how much "preparing" I do, I will still have much more to learn that only experience can teach me. But what a blessing it is that God is preparing my heart now so that I can be the best mom that I am capable of. I spent most of the beginning of our marriage in the hospital and I am thankful that my child(ren) did not have to see me suffer and be raised by somebody else!

I still have days where I have to fight to prepare the my fields. After all, the devil wants my fields to be dry and barren and not "be fruitful and multiply!" Genesis 9:7 (Hahaha Sorry I couldn't resist!) He will try to use every opportunity to "walk about, seeking whom he may devour" 1 Peter 5:8. But I do not fear him, I know he is a liar! I used to spend time telling him he was a liar and to leave in Jesus name, and I do still do that on occasion. But mostly I simply ignore him and start praising God. You see he can not harm me if I keep myself under God's protection by being obedient to his word. So I have nothing to fear from him. The only way he can rob me is if I allow him to. And I've fought too long and hard to give up now.

Indeed, I've been standing 14 years. But I believe two things about my miracle. Number one, God has a set time for it to happen. Number two, there is a bigger picture and this miracle is not only for me. I don't know if it is for a friend, family member or stranger. I'm sure it will bless many people. But God's getting some other things aligned before my child can arrive. God is also preparing for the rain!

I confess all summer I've been in a "mini panic" about my 15th anniversary coming up! 15 years of marriage and still no children in my home, let me tell you it can be depressing if I let it. But God has been working on my heart in this area also. The time that the devil "thinks" he is robbing me is actually the time God is allowing me to prepare my fields. Many people would have given up on their miracle after 15 years, but I am more determined then ever to hold on! You see the longer I wait, the bigger my miracle will be. And the more lives will be touched through my faith and obedience. What a privilege and honor to be able to walk in this great calling!

Is there something in your life that you have been praying for, believing for? Have you been "preparing for the rain?" Have you thanked him for meeting your every need, even if  you haven't seen the results of it yet? Keep standing and believing, it will come! And you never know who else God will touch through your faith!