Keep Their Eyes Above the Waves...

Day 6
Pray that a spirit of fellowship will grow between the persecuted church and the free world. Pray that those who worship in freedom will develop a burden to pray for and serve their persecuted brothers and sisters.

Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ -- yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

Tonight I just want to bring worship to this prayer.

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me [them] out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I [they] find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My[Their] faith will stand

And I [they] will call upon Your name
And keep my [their] eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My [Their] soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am [they are] Yours and You are mine [theirs]

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my [their] guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me [them]
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will [when they]  call upon Your name
And keep my [their] eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My [their] soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am [they are] Yours and You are mine [theirs]

Spirit lead me [them] where my [their] trust is without borders

Let me [them] walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me [them]
Take me [them] deeper than my [their] feet could ever wander
And my [their] faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my [our] Savior

I will [When they] call upon Your Name
Keep my [their] eyes above the waves
My [Their] soul will rest in Your embrace
I am [They are] Yours and You are mine [theirs]

Lord,

The words of this song is my prayer tonight, but as I change the words from "I" to "Them" in lifting up my persecuted brothers and sisters, I pray that you hear the words and answer the prayer. For as they have been called by you and follow you that they find freedom in you embrace. In this may they find others that are with them in this time and create a fellowship that lifts them up. For we are not made to be alone in trials, and as you does not want man to be alone, let them know that they are prayed for by thousands of other believers. As we are free to worship may our hearts break and be burdened with their trials so that we will offer our all in this free land and free life to those who have to hide their faith in order to continue sharing it. 

For what a blessing it is to be a light in a dark place. To be called to serve you in that capacity, I can only imagine. 

You have enamored me and taught me that those who are shining your light are filled with your light. Their eyes are healthy and whole making their body full or your love and truth, do not let our eyes or theirs become vain or dark. Allow us to continue to seek the truth and look at you to feed our faith (Matthew 6:22-23). 

I want to be in this with them. With my whole heart and soul. For you are a God of compassion, love, and grace. You want to save your creation from a life of darkness so you send out your disciples among the nations to speak your name. Let these disciples know that they are being loved and cared for through prayer and allow the "free" church to find ways to provide for their physical and tangible needs. 

In your name I pray as I lift these words up with my heart,

Amen.

A Dream, A Purpose

In a foreign land, one I have never been to but for some reason I knew all to well, I was searching for something. I knew exactly where I was going and what I was looking for - or whom. Then I saw him, hidden in a corner covered in filth and I picked him up in my arms and held him tightly... for the first time in all of my dreams I saw his face. I held him, stared at him and began to feel the urge to cry. "I have been waiting to see your face," I said to him as he wrapped his hand around my pinky. I knew we were in danger and had to escape. As my body began to tremble for the urgency was immense, I ran. I ran with all I had and I held the baby boy in my arms without a thought of letting go. I knew his face, it was written on my heart.

As we fled, fled the life that had harmed him, the life that brought him tears, the life that offered no comfort, no loving arms, no warmth, I began to realize this was my purpose in life. My purpose was to be this child's mommy, this child who had nothing to hold onto but the hope of a better future. As we ran, I looked down at his face and memorized it, the dimples on his cheek and the big brown eyes that stared up at me with curiosity and love all at once.  He knew he was mine, I knew he was mine, God knew he was mine.

It was a dream, yes. A dream full of hope. A dream full of reassurance. A dream full of love. I know what God wants of my future, of that I am sure for I have prayed, and prayed desperately.

At my bridal shower last summer, my Maid of Honor created a film full of questions she asked my soon to be husband about me.  At the shower she asked me the question and I answered then she would press play and we would hear his answer. It was a lot of fun seeing how well he knew me. Then she asked a question, "How many children does Brady want?"

Adam answered... "If she could she'd have 80 and love them all..."

I know God has built my heart around children for a reason and I know that a majority of my children will not be of my blood but of my heart. I know God is working in our lives to love the orphans and to give them a family... even if it is our family.

I am excited for the future. I am excited that one day I will meet my child whether he/she is 2 or 12. I will meet that child and know that it is mine.