This is a biggie for me. A lesson the Lord has given to me that I find it necessary to return too. Like keeping eggs in my basket. Life has a way of flipping this egg out of the basket. But if nothing else, the presence of the Lord remains steadfast. His lessons true. The revelations to my soul, ongoing.

This is the year I learned something about prayer. Prayer should be the highest form of communication. But often we resort to it after we have tried to orchestrate solutions for ourselves. That’s human. That’s predictable. But as the highest form of communication, it is wiser to listen than it is to talk.

Conversation with the alpha and omega of life, and you are doing all the talking?

When I consider the prayer of JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane, I find an obviousness that tends to allude me. In Christendom, we are quick to declare the benefits of being co-heirs with Christ. We assume that a 100-fold in this life is in evidence when our lives reflect affluence. When we have GOD given life mates and children as our legacy. But that boils down to more talking than listening.

Three times JESUS prayed, “Father remove this bitter cup!” Twice he enlisted the help of those who loved him. His posse. He prayed until sweat like blood ran down his brow. But the cup was not removed. Surely the Son of GOD had the authority and right to not just ask but to declare. But He did not. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 18.)

He concluded; “not my will but thine be done.” For someone who faced unimaginable persecution. Through no fault of His own. (2 Corinthians 5 emphasis on verse 21.) To face such horror on behalf of a world that often rejects His efforts, that represents for me perhaps the single greatest act of faith in GOD. To choose the path most detriment to the human body and the human mind is trust beyond trust. I know what I would like Lord. I know what I deserve, but I trust that if it faces me; it is the very best for me. I trust you GOD no matter what faces me.

I found that trusting GOD included times of discomfort as well as blessings. That trusting GOD did not necessarily equal opulence, affluence, wealth or health. That trusting GOD means no matter how it translates to my humanity, it represents something for me. One hundred-fold in this life means everything works together for my good. Everything! And the good, well, that’s the success of my fellowship with the Creator.

Seeing GOD’s face in peace is the journey and purpose I share with my Creator. The noblest and highest calling upon my life.

I am determined to live in view of what comes next. Enjoying all this world has for me. But living in expectation of the next. I have the breath of life within me, you think I’m not smart enough to allow the giver of life to lead and guide me? I’m listening Lord speak to my heart.