“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 ESV).
Thoughts on Yesterday’s Challenge
Yesterday was a difficult day. We buried a friend that was taken from us by cancer in his 50’s. He left behind so many loved ones and friends. I was able to serve during parts of the service and with family afterward. At one point I was able to offer some words of comfort to one of them and share some comfort and encouragement. It got me thinking about how I make a difference in this world. After all, we just want to make a mark that we have walked this road and made the world a little better for others along the way.
So my prayer time was led in that direction. I prayed about the arable of the talents, asking God which of my talents He would like me to focus on. How or if He wanted me to divide my time between gifts. But as I prayed, I boiled it down to one thing. I asked God to help me live my life in such a way that I will be able to see His smile of approval. I don’t need the world to know about my life at all. I don’t need to serve in a way that puts me in any sort of limelight. I want to be available for whatever, but I am willing to be an invisible blessing who is completely whole and satisfied with His approval alone.
A faulty o-ring was responsible for taking the lives of 7 crew members of the 1986 Challenger Spaceshuttle mission. God reminded me that when anyone looks something like the spaceshuttle they see the large powerful engines, the massive fuel cells, the wings and cockpit. The don’t see things like an o-ring. But this tiny, behind-the-scenes piece of equipment was massively important. Likewise sometimes we can feel like an o-ring on a space mission. Unseen. Unheard. Unappreciated. But history has shown the kind of impact a “nobody” can have.
I told the Lord that I am willing to be an o-ring, if that is what is asked of me. And I will be the best o-ring possible until such time as I am needed elsewhere.
I believe that we find our purpose not at school or even church. We find our purpose in prayer.
The Verse
Often people think of God as a mysterious being Who cannot be known or understood. The thought is even common among Christians. But today’s verse paints a different picture. It is not that God doesn’t want to be known, but rather that He wants to reveal Himself to those who strongly desire to know Him. Prayer is the vehicle to intimacy; wholehearted seeking keeps us on the road.
God deeply longs for us to deeply long for Him. He’s not needy; but He loves each and every one more deeply than we could ever love in return, and He wants us to know the joys of life with Him.
As you continue this prayer challenge, do a bit of introspection. How strongly do you really want to know God? What are the things that are keeping you from seeking with all your heart? What do you need to change to prioritize this relationship?
Blessings on your day and on your weekend!
Skipping Stones 
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