February 4, 2014
I was sitting in the living room, curled up in the arm chair having my morning devotional. Staring out the window, I was really missing my friends that morning. Not just any friends but those so-close-you-don't-even-have-to-speak kind of friends.
Moving around the country had it's advantages, seeing new places, meeting new people. But, what I always struggled with, was leaving those who were in my heart behind. Those I could trust with who I was, who I am, and what I was going through. Those who partnered in prayer with and for me.
I had been reading the book "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson. He challenged me to circle in prayer things, desires that God had place in my heart and see if He would be faithful. So I did. I circle my friends-my heart friends in prayer. I had been circling my desire, my need, to be part of something, to be part of a prayer group. But, not just any prayer group. One that somehow included my prayer-partnering-heart friends.
That's when it came like a flood. Ideas to start a prayer group. A women's prayer group that would not be constrained by place or time. Where those in the group could pray with and for each other, where ever we were, at anytime, about the same topic, while being as heart-specific as needed with in the group. Then, as those with in the group felt God moved, they would start another group, and then other groups would be started. Like ripples in a pond.
All through out the day, the ideas came. Writing this God inspired dream on anything I could get my hands on when He spoke.
But, then as I thought more about it, and started sharing with some others. Doubt crept in. "How can you be part of a group of people you never meet with or see?" "I've never seen anything like this before." "Write a blog-Scary" "What if no one wants to be part of it?" "What if it never grows beyond you?"
I believe like anything God designed, the devil tries to destroy; and the only way I know how to do battle with the devil is on my knees. So I kept praying.
I prayed over the idea and over those I wanted to ask to be in it. I asked those I had shared the idea to pray. Then, I asked those I thought about being in it, to pray before they gave me an answer.
After praying over it for a few weeks. I knew regardless of my doubts, God was saying to move. So, March 1, 2014 the ministry "Circle of Prayer" began.
Let me tell you, through the years things didn't always go the way I thought they should have. I've wondered why would God even choose me? Why would anyone read what we have to say? Should we even keep going? How will I make this dream a reality?
Just last month, I received and e-mail for one of my heart-friends we started the group with and she said I could share it with you all.
Hi All,
These last few months have been busy.... But when is life not busy? I asked you all several months ago to pray for me, for an idea I had. I don't remember if I was specific with you or not but I am over due in sharing with you all.
It started back when we had our small group retreat... A seed was planted, though it was not abundantly clear...a dream was born... I thank you all for your prayers. This dream over the months became clear, I wanted to start a small group for girls here at Campion. The challenges have been many, I've tried a couple avenues in which to start this group, to no avail. I need a co-leader, though the people I talked to thought it was a great idea they were not able commit the time. Through support from my husband and prayers from all of you, we are launching a pilot group this year! It gives me good bumps just thinking about the process.
She continued by saying...
This year the Spiritual VP and myself have been praying over names and decided that to pilot this year with one group, we needed to invite 6-8 girls to join. This morning for the first time... I had good bumps and tears of joy in my eyes to see these girls gather at my house for an hour to kick off our small group. 5 of the eight we invited came the other 3 are still deciding.
Please continue to pray for this year, this group, these girls... That this may be a success. My big dream is that every student can be in a small group that it would be available starting freshman year with the same group members for all 4 years and the same group leaders for all 4 years. Imagine! The impact! Doing life together, building authentic faith, learning, knowing God better and building our relationship with each other. Being that safe environment where kids can be honest, vulnerable, and ask questions. Just imagine!
Again thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray....Please surround us daily in this endeavor.
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| Photo by Cerys Lowe on Unsplash |
So, I'm asking you.
What dream has He put in your heart and what's He asking you to do about it?
Take that step towards your God designed dream-and see for yourself if He will be faithful.
Rejoice evermore.Pray without ceasing.In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18(KJV)
~kartini r. maxson
