Prepare For What You’re Praying For

2022 has been a year that has been filled with so many leaps of faith followed up by crazy, amazing confirmation. Not that it has been easy or without bumps, uncertainty, and twists and turns, but we are without a doubt where we believe God has called us to be. In the book ‘Crazy Love’ Francis Chan writes, “But God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.” I read this several years ago and while it’s always stuck with me, it hasn’t ever felt more real than it has this year. I am more certain than ever that following Jesus and being a part of His mission is the best adventure. 

As the year is drawing to a close I have felt God reminding me to prepare for what I’m praying for. This involves more than a mental ‘hoping,’ but actually starting to look at these with eyes of practicality as an act of faith that God is going to answer! This is not a new concept to me, in fact earlier this fall as I was walking into Wyoming women’s retreat I felt God impress this upon me - seemingly out of nowhere and with more strength than I’m typically used to. Since then I have been bringing this continually to the Lord in prayer and asking for wisdom (and strategy!) on what exactly this looks like. What AM I believing the Lord for - both personally and ministerially? Sometimes it is hard to put words to these things. And then, what would it look like to start preparing in these areas? It has been challenging but also exciting.

I said in our end of the year newsletter that we are so thankful to be planting Youth Alive in a state that already values equipping, empowering, and reaching students. On the most basic level, our hope would be to continue being:

-A help to the state as it equips and empowers
-A help to individual churches and leaders
-And last, but anything but least, a help to students who are saying yes to viewing their campus through the lens of Jesus’ mission to bring hope and redemption.

I’m also excited to be a part nationally as Youth Alive strengthens, expands, and innovates.

If I could encourage you for a second: lean into God’s voice, say yes to Jesus’ mission in whatever capacity you can, and prepare for what you’re praying for.