Monday, March 9, 2015

An "Impossible" Prayer Request

For with God nothing will be impossible."
Luke 1:37



I read this verse on a friend's Facebook wall the other day. Blinked, and read the verse that came up at the top of my newsfeed. 

It came at a moment when my heart was heavy with doubt, drowning like Peter in doubt, and the Lord once again mercifully lifted me out of the waves. 

You see, I have an impossible prayer request--a request that's been burning in my heart for years, since I was a teenager, when the Lord first placed this calling upon my life, this ministry upon my heart. 

An impossible prayer request . . . and I bring it before you who are my friends and I ask that you would pray for me, pray for my husband, for my family, for those who will be involved. 

With man, it is an impossibility. In my present situation, an impossibility. 

But God works through seemingly impossible situations so that all of the glory may be His. 

Through a shepherd boy with only a sling and five smooth stones . . .

Through Gideon's army of 300 small . . . 

Through a little boy's lunch.

God works through the impossible to show His power and provision and protection and grace. 

When we surrender completely to Him. 

Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends. (George Muller)

Years ago, the Lord placed a burden upon my heart to "build a place of rest" for fellow believers.  The following is an excerpt from a letter that I wrote regarding this calling that the Lord continually presses upon my heart --a calling that my husband and I share together. It is my "impossible" prayer request:

We want to eventually open our home to any Christian who is in need of solitude, direction, time away in a quiet setting for prayer, any Christian who would like to come away and seek the Lord for a time, who is weary, going through a severe trial and needs a respite, etc.

We would also like it to be open to Pastors, missionaries, laypeople who are seeking a time of rest and refreshment in prayer, solitude, working on a book project, seeking direction in their life, etc.

We would greatly appreciate your prayers.

What we would in essence like to do is to purchase a piece of land in a somewhat secluded setting, but close enough to a town, city, etc. where we could be connected with a local doctrinally-sound, Spirit-filled church.

Our hope is to first set up our home as a resting place and later possibly add small cabins where people could come and stay without charge.

We desire to develop the property in such a way to preserve the land in its natural beauty, but also to eventually add walking trails, benches, gardens, maybe a small chapel, etc. as a place of beauty, quietness, and prayer.


We are also hoping to have a time of fellowship, prayer and singing hymns once a week for anyone staying at the time and for anyone who would like to join us.

Years ago, I felt it placed upon my heart from the Lord to call this place Herrnhut (“The Lord’s Watch/Shelter”) after the Moravian Count Von Zinzendorf’s establishment  for persecuted Moravians.

We are asking for your prayers . . . please uphold us and lift us before the throne of grace as the Lord places it upon your heart. Our desire is that He would be glorified and that as E.M. Bounds says, 

"What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer."

Please pray for us . . . 
Thank you, dear friends. 

So I share these things with you and I ask for your prayers. Ask that the Lord would open a door that no man could shut and that He would turn this impossible situation into an opportunity to show His glory. We have come to a dead end, humanly speaking, but the Lord is able to make the desert into springs of water and the wilderness a road. 



These are the specific ways that you could pray for us:


  • For my mother's house (on the market now) to sell. We live with my mother and are waiting until her home sells to move forward with the ministry that the Lord has placed upon our hearts.
  • For the Lord's direction and provision.
  • For the Lord to place our need for prayer upon His people's hearts. 

Thank you for your prayers. 



You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on EarthThe Modest MomWhat Joy is Mine, Yes They Are All Ours, Missional Call, A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, So Much at Home, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every SeasonA Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, A Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Messy Marriage, My Teacher's Name is Mama, The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Children Are A Blessing, Mittenstate Sheep and Wool, Imparting Grace, Preparedness Mama, A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Count My Blessings, Beauty Observed, Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul SurvivalGood Morning MondaysThe HomeAcre HopMommy Moments Link UpGrace and Truth LinkupFaith Filled FridaySaturday Soiree Blog PartyTell It To Me TuesdaysSHINE Blog Hop, Motivate and Rejuvenate Monday Link-Up

60 comments:

  1. Praying that your mother's home sells quickly and that your dream unfolds in his time.

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  2. That sounds absolutely wonderful....what a beautiful dream to have...and if it is the Lord's will, one that will be accomplished! :) I will remember you in my prayers! :)

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    1. Thank you, Katy; I am so grateful for your prayers! :-)

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  3. That is a beautiful idea. I pray that the Lord will grant this desire of your heart to be a blessing to others.

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer; I am thankful for your prayers :-)

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  4. It can look impossible... and I have one of those impossible looking requests also.... but God can do and He will in His time... if it is His will. I did pray for you.

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. :-)

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  5. I'll be praying for you and your husband, dear Rebekah. I love this calling God has put on your heart, and He is faithful. May He sustain you in the waiting and fill you with hope. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 15:13). Love & blessings to you in Christ.

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    1. Thank you, Emily; I am so grateful for the prayers of His people! Thank you also, for sharing that verse with me --it was encouraging to me . . . God bless you, Emily. :-)

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  6. Wow, your vision is almost exactly what mine has been for years! I hope and pray it works out in God's timing. Can I ask where the pictures are of? It looks like scenery from my home :) God bless

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    1. Davinia, thank you for your prayers . . . I found the pictures through searching free to use and share Google images. God bless you, also! :-)

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  7. I'm reminded of my favorite new song (one I must be playing so much even my 5 yr old is singing it) - "Beyond Me" by Toby Mac. Prayers for you to live out the dream God has placed on your heart!

    Call it a reason to retreat
    I got some dreams that are bigger than me
    I might be outmatched, outsized, the underdog in the fight of my life
    Is it so crazy to believe
    That You gave me the stars, put them out of my reach
    Called me to waters a little too deep
    Oh, I've never been so aware of my need
    You keep on making me see
    It's way beyond me

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    1. Kathryn, thank you so much for that encouragement and for your prayers; I am so blessed by them!

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  8. Praying that the Lord will bless you and your family in the desire He has placed on your heart. What a wonderful sanctuary it would be in the world we live in now. Trusting that He will bring it to fruition in His perfect place and His perfect time.

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    1. Thank you, Karen! I am so blessed to know that you hold me in your prayers and for all of the encouragement that you have given me. :-)

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  9. What a beautiful vision you have! And in God nothing is impossible, especially a mission that He has given to you. I will pray for you and for the fulfillment of your dream!

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    1. Thank you! I so appreciate the prayers of His people--the Lord bless you!

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  10. What a beautiful vision! May God grant you your desire's according to His holy will! Thank you for sharing this worthy request with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!

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    1. JES, thank you so much for your prayers and for your encouraging words. It means a great deal to me to know that the Lord's people are lifting this up in prayer!

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  11. Before leaving this comment I prayed for you. May God continue to keep your dream alive even as He is yet unfolding it. May you continue to trust Him.
    "The Lord is my strength & shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." (Ps. 28:7,NLT).
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers and for sharing that Scripture with me! I am so grateful and encouraged. The Lord bless you. :-)

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  12. I pray that God would bless your family as you endeavor to bless HIs people. This is such a beautiful desire! Thank you for sharing at Motivating and Rejuvenating Mondays!

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    1. Letetia, I am grateful for your prayers; the Lord bless you!

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  13. Rebekah, praying that God will continue to give you His desires and fulfill them as only He can. Thank you for linking up at Mondays @ Soul Survival. Blessings!

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers, Donna; I appreciate them so much!

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  14. This is a beautiful idea because to provide a place of rest and renewal for those in ministry and/or others along the way is so needed. The land is absolutely stunning and would be the perfect place for retreat. My brother and sister in law who live in San Antonio, TX have been to a similar place like you are describing for the same reasons. I will be praying with you for favor as you move the impossible to possible. Visiting you today from Messy Marriage.

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    1. Thank you, Mary! It is such a blessing to know that the Lord's people are praying! Have a wonderful week. :-)

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  15. Joining you in prayer. <3

    Thank you for linking up with Woman to Woman's Word Filled Wednesday. God bless.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer; I'm so grateful for your prayers! :-)

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  16. What a wonderful idea that God has placed on your heart. I feel the peace just looking over your beautiful pictures. May God bless you in continuing to do His will.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, Rebecca; I'm so grateful for them! :-)

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  17. This is a great idea and will be wonderful for Christians who need time alone with God and fellowship with caring people who will come along side them to help them heal and pray with them. May God bless you as you move ahead with this and may your mothers house sell and may you find the perfect block of land. Thank you for sharing your prayer request at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers, Terri! I really appreciate them; the Lord bless you! :-)

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  18. This is a lovely vision the Lord has placed on your heart. How comforting that we can trust His perfect timing. Will be praying for you...

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    1. Thank you, Heather! I appreciate your prayers so very much! :-)

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  19. Sounds like an amazing plan and mission that the Lord has given you. I will definitely pray for you.

    Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    xoxo

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    1. Jennifer, I'm so thankful for your prayers; the Lord bless you! :-)

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  20. So enjoyed your George Muller quote!!! Praying for God to make a way for the dream He planted in your heart!

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    1. Thank you! Reading George Muller always encourages me--he was such a beautiful example of trusting the Lord for his every need. Blessings to you! :-)

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  21. This is such a wonderful idea. I will definitely pray for your idea and that it comes to fruition.

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  22. Wow, Rebekah! I so love your heart for this and I will be in deep prayer on this for you. Infinite blessings to you, Love! :-)

    #Grace&TruthLinkup ;-)

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    1. Thank you for your prayers; I am so grateful for them! :-)

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  23. What a lovely prayer. If it is God's will then he will give you provision for your shared vision with what He wants for your life in His divine timing. Did you also ask God what ministry he as called you to?

    I could say for myself, I never wanted to adopt a child because I know as an adult adoptee just how hard it would be to do so. I knew that parenting an adopted child would push every trigger button in my heart and soul. Alas, God said "No my child, you, in particular, are perfectly suited for my will for you to have an adoption ministry (of sorts)." And so- 15 years later, I have 2 "adopted" stepsons whose mother is not in their life. Can't get much closer to adoption than that. =) Now with things going awry in my career training, I'm beginning to think that it is God's calling for me to just go into ministry with my education. That was not my plan... to bring a handsome second income to our household. I guess I have an impossible prayer as well. =)

    God bless you~

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    1. Thank you for sharing those thoughts, Meredith--and for your prayers--I am grateful. God bless you!

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  24. What a beautiful dream this is, that God has placed upon your heart. I'll be joining you in prayer.

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    1. Thank you so much! I am so grateful; have a blessed weekend! :-)

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  25. These heart dreams He fills us with, they are extensions of the passions He has set in our hearts. So often it is the timing that we don't understand well.
    Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, " He has made everything beautiful in his time: also he has set eternity in men's hearts and minds."
    Sometimes I think he gives us a glimpse of the shadow of His plan so that we long for what he longs for.
    Praying that He would bring each and every opportunity your way to see the dream He has planted become a reality. It is a beautiful dream!
    Blessings,
    Dawn

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    1. Thank you, Dawn, for your encouragement and for your prayers. I am so thankful for them! :-)

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  26. Praying for this beautiful dream! I absolutely love this idea and have no doubt you will see it come to reality. Many blessings to you and your family as you embark on this upcoming venture :).

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    1. Thank you, Candace for your encouragement--your prayers mean so much to me. God bless you! :-)

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  27. It takes so much courage to do what you did...to step forward and make something so dear to your heart known to other fellow believers so they can share your load. The place you describe sounds just wonderful and serene and SO needed! How many weary pilgrims you could refresh in such a setting! After serving many years in active, full-time ministry, I can attest to the severity of the burnout that comes from running full-speed, wide-open ahead for an extended period of time. It is sad, but oftentimes, God's servants are some of the least appreciated people and always expected to do and be, but with little shown consideration. So, coming from this angle, I have NO doubt that YOUR DREAM was absolutely planted by God in your heart, for it is HIS dream, too. I believe when the Bible says that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts, the thing we so often forget is that when we are in tune with Him, HE actually places those desires there in the first place AS A MEANS OF REVEALING THE DIRECTION He wants our lives to take. I am SO excited to pray with you over this and stand in faith right alongside you that "what He has promised, He is able also to perform". May your faith remain strong in the midst of this seemingly unending waiting season, and may you see every part of this dream fulfilled. God bless you for dreaming big and for believing in what GOD can do, not in what you can see. :)

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    1. Oh Cheryl, your encouragement brought so much quiet joy to my heart . . . this waiting time has been so difficult, but blessed at the same time, because the Lord has been teaching me, softening me, molding me through it. I am so grateful for your prayers--these verses that are very dear to me come to my mind--" I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:13-14. The Lord bless you, Cheryl; I am so grateful for your prayers.

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  28. Just finished praying for your family and this ministry that is birthed within you and your husband's hearts. I think it will be a much needed and successful ministry as you support those who pour their lives out in service to the Kingdom. Thank you so much for linking this with us at Grace & Truth!

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    1. Thank you, Holly! I appreciate your prayers so much! God bless you!

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  29. Will be praying for you. Blessings to you. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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    1. Thank you, Sherri; I am so grateful for your prayers! The Lord bless you! :-)

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  30. Rebekah, it's so lovely to connect with you through Shelly's linkup. I also have an "impossible" prayer, and your words here truly encouraged my spirit today. Prayed for you. Blessings

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    1. Thank you, Lyli; I'm so grateful for your prayers! Blessings to you, as well :-).

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