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By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. Hebrews 11:7-8 WEB.

For three months, I had a driving urge to go and pray every day at three in the afternoon. I would lay on the floor of my room and pray for one to three hours. The time was usually spent in tears, with no idea why I was praying other than I was supposed to. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the room became so strong that it covered me like a warm blanket. It was so wonderful. Then the season passed. The heavens became like brass, and one of the worst trials of our lives soon began.

Our business ground to a halt and all of our income dried up. We couldn't find a job anywhere and didn't qualify for unemployment. No one would even talk to us or return our calls. What savings we had slowly drained away, and soon the bills started piling up. When we prayed, we only heard silence. The tears that we shed were no longer from the Lord's presence, but what felt like abandonment. I know that He will never leave nor forsake you, but after several months passed, I began to wonder.

Finally, the week that we began packing to move out of our home, I went into the room where I used to pray and sat down. I no longer had the strength to pray. I just sat there, feeling very much alone. While sitting there in silence, something like a movie screen appeared before me. It was the first open vision I experienced.

In the vision, I saw myself entering a boxing ring and putting on gloves. The view was from behind me, and it appeared that I was alone. Then the camera view panned around to my face, and I could see the Lord standing behind me like a coach, just outside the ring.

He spoke to me and 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!" In about 48 hours, our whole life changed. I became a pastor, and a friend suddenly stepped in and paid our bills for the month. The trial was over. Like cattle herded through a loading chute, I found myself herded into ministry.

Soldiers train ahead of time so that when the fight starts, they are ready. Athletes prepare before the competition arrives. Noah built the ark before the flood came. So don't wait until you are in the thick of battle to start getting ready for it. When the storm begins, it's too late to start building the ark. Grab onto whatever you can and hang on. In the end, God will come through. Yet, when given a chance, prepare for the fight ahead of time. Don't ignore those urges to go and pray!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me be prepared before the storm comes. Speak to me, draw me aside, and fill me with your Holy Spirit, Lord. Give me the grace to face whatever comes my way. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: For those following the Creation Photography weekly challenges, here is this week's theme from group leader, Dianna Wyles: Revelation 21:5 "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" ~ Our final radiantly-fun theme of the year will be 'Light up a New Year' and as always, our themes are open wide for interpretation so be creative. You are also encouraged to post anything else that inspires you as well! My photos this week reflect how I plan to blaze the way into my new year and let it shine for others. Surrounded by as much of God's beauty and grace as I possibly can on a daily basis, so that my cup will be ever-full and spilling over to those around me! New year, New Hope, Renewed faith, Happy New Year Everyone! Have fun! Be safe and stay blessed! Here is the link: Creation Photographers

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