Living On The Edge

My article written for Intercessory Prayer Network- Southeast:

 
Living on the Edge

Over the years, I’ve read about those people known as adrenaline junkies who thrive on the high they get from living on the edge. Well, I haven’t bungee jumped off a cliff. But you could call me an adrenaline junkie for sure!

My journey on the adventuresome road with God began several years ago when my husband, Michael, and I were in the midst of an extreme test. Michael’s graphic design business was drying up, putting us in great need. During this season of testing, my heart was filled with questions: Would God lead us to the jobs we need? Would He rescue us in time? I woke up early one morning and prayed a final plea for God’s intervention. I was longing to know that our needs were going to be met. This day our need was for groceries. As I prayed, I heard God in my heart, asking me, “Do you trust me?” My response was, “Yes, I do.”

Within hours of my prayer that morning, God’s rescue mission was underway. It started with an unexpected call from my friend, Lisa. We hadn’t been in touch for months. It was God’s providence for her to call.  I shared about our circumstances, which led to an invitation to her home. I accepted the invitation to visit her later in the day.    

When I arrived at Lisa’s home, I was surprised to be greeted by a group of my friends. The floodgates opened to my soul and the tears came pouring out. At this moment I knew this was God’s answer to my call. Each friend prayed for me. Then they led me to the surprise that was awaiting me. It was surreal when I walked into a room filled with groceries – enough to fill 36 bags. It was more than my heart could take in at once. It was truly an "Extreme Grocery Makeover!"

God made a statement that day. He wants all of us, as His children, to believe that He is able to do abundantly more than we could ever hope for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He used a group of ladies to pull together an incredible act of God. That one act changed my heart for all eternity. The words of James were inscribed onto my heart through this experience. James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." My perspective suddenly changed. I considered it pure joy.

God allows circumstances in our lives that require us to have complete trust in Him. He wants for us to wait on Him, so that our faith can grow. Are you ever tempted to jump ahead of God when the Holy Spirit is prompting you to "Wait?" During difficult seasons there are steps we can take to draw closer to God's heart and experience His perfect peace while we wait:

1. Pray daily with your spouse, or singles pray with prayer partners.

2. Seek counsel for guidance from those in authority over you.

3. Fast for clarity to hear God's voice.

Each time I wait on the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly--He takes me to the edge. It's ALWAYS worth the wait to see God reveal His power in the most supernatural ways. In 2008, be daring and experience the high of living on the edge!

Amy

When my daughter was about 3 years old, my husband, Michael, created a special treasure hunt for us on Valentine's Day. He hid small candies throughout our home for us to search for. This treasure hunt became a tradition and has become a Valentine's Day highlight every year.

The hidden candies are fairly easy to find at first, but it gets harder and harder to find them after the most visible ones are found. Michael hides some of the candies in such concealed places that we never find all of them on Valentine's Day. Part of the joy of the hunt is that we continue to find the candies unexpectedly during the days and months ahead.

Tonight, I realized that our anticipated Valentine treasure hunt is very much like life. When things are going smoothly in life, it is easy to see and enjoy the treasures. But during the difficult seasons, it can be a tedious thing to find and focus on the treasures. They have to be tirelessly sought after because they are hidden. But it is the hidden treasures that are truly the most valuable. Without the storms, I don't believe I would have ever discovered the priceless treasures of life.

In January of 2006, Michael's graphic design business was suffering and coming to an end. This gave our family the opportunity to look for treasures in the midst of adversity. On Valentine's  Day that year, we had very little money and we knew we couldn't buy gifts and cards like we had done in previous years. We decided to make hand-made cards for each other instead of giving presents and store bought cards. These cards were so special. I knew we would look forward to designing our hand-made cards every year.

While sitting at our table for dinner tonight, I opened my cards from my family. Each year the cards are more meaningful to me. They are irreplaceable, something that money can't buy. My husband's card had a huge heart on it, symbolic of the love that has grown in our marriage. My daughter's card was filled with pictures and words that symbolize all that God has done in my heart. My son's card had "Prophetic Words" that sum up my life: "Remember a Rainbow comes after a storm. This is How you reach your Heart's goal." On the front of the card was a colored picture of a rainbow, a storm, and a heart in the middle with a sword stuck in it. As I embraced the words and the love expressed through each of these cards, tears flooded my eyes. And I thanked God for the storms He allows in my life and the blessing of "Valentine Treasures."

Matthew 13:44- "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field..." NIV

I Timothy 6:6-7, - " But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." NIV

I Timothy 6: 17- "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." NAS

I Timothy 6:19- "In this way they will lay up TREASURE for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is TRULY life." NIV

May you find life's richest treasures.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Amy

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