Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. Simon and those who were with him searched for him. They found him and told him, 'Everyone is looking for you.' He said to them, 'Let's go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.' Mark 1:35-38 WEB

It was early morning when I walked into my little prayer room here. I rarely slept anymore. Our computer business had utterly dried up, and we had not had any work in several months. The pressure and stress on us were incredible. I could not find a job anywhere. It was a very dark time for me.

The worst part was the silence. I usually try and walk close to the Lord, but this time it was different. When I prayed, I only heard crickets and bill collectors. We had come down to the last week in our home and were preparing to move out, for we could no longer pay the utility bills. I felt abandoned and alone. I tried to pray, but after no words came, I just sat in the quiet.

That was the day that God spoke back. As I sat there, I saw a vision of me entering a boxing ring and putting on the gloves. It looked like I was alone from the back, but I could see the Lord standing behind me as the view panned around. He was standing outside the ring like a coach, and He said these words:

He said, "You are not alone, for I am in your corner, and I have prepared you for this day. Now get in there and fight!"

By the end of the week, I had a new job as a pastor. Then a friend stepped in and paid our bills for the month. This was not faith or praying and believing. It was not a "name it and claim it" scenario, for I had no idea what was coming. Not once in my life had I saw myself as a pastor, but He's the Boss. This is just an example of what having a personal relationship with God can add to your life. While we were busy seeking Him, He was silently lining things up in the background for us.

Jesus rose early in the morning while it was still dark, and He went out to pray in a quiet place. During this time, He received instructions, strength, wisdom, and He made important decisions. He chose the twelve apostles in the morning after spending all night in prayer (Luke 6:12).

Would Jesus have performed all the miracles that He did if He had not taken the time to pray and listen? Would this have happened to me if I had not taken the time to pray and listen? Find that special place where you can be alone with the Lord and even when times are bad, go there and wait for direction.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please speak to my heart and help me recognize Your voice. Give me direction and help me focus on the right things today, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network

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