Borrowed Breath

Have you ever had a conversation, or series of conversations, with someone that resulted in a decision? If, down the road, you began to second guess the validity of that decision, what would you do? You would initiate another conversation with that person to solidify and reaffirm your course of action. 

Recently, after a good deal of prayer, Michelle and I made a decision regarding a ministry opportunity. Yesterday, I had a flash of uncertainly that I stifled due to busyness. But this morning, that doubt reared its head again, and I knew I had to face it head-on. Had I made the wrong decision? Did I choose the wrong path?

So I put on my Chacos and a hoody, and walked down our driveway. Now I must clarify that we have a very long, straight driveway. It’s probably a good quarter mile. This afforded me and the Lord ample time to converse regarding this decision. We talked, and the Lord confirmed His approval of the direction we were taking. It felt good. I told the Lord I was glad we had this conversation.

I think a lot of times we conduct our prayer life in a one-sided manner. We start with the “Our Father,” and then talk and talk and talk and don’t listen. It’s as if we are leaving a message on someone’s voicemail. We say what we want to say and hang up with the obligatory “in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

But in a conversation, we allow the other person time to respond to our questions or comments. And for me, it helps to talk out loud. I’m sure anyone driving by, watching what appeared to be a one-sided conversation, thought I was a crazy man, talking to himself as he walked out to get the Sunday paper. And they would be right except for the little part about it being one-sided. My Lord was responding. And it wouldn’t be prayer if He didn’t.