weak

here's the update on our 24-7. (for those of you just joining me, check out what i'm talking about at www.24-7prayer.com and then http://www.portlandyouth.com/prayer.htm)

it was no fireworks, no fanfare, no huge earth-shattering revelation. at the end of it all we are simply more aware than ever that we are weak, and the only way we can do what God called us to is if He does it. that both encouraged us and made us more desperate. God asks us to stand firm in our faith and continue to do what is in our hand to do. as long as we do that He will build the rest. that was it. along the way He also brought people's attention to the practical things that make the DHOP run, and that we do need more hands, more financial support and more prayer covering to continue with this work. it was encouraging to see God's body in this city embrace the need and commit to more help.

this has been an interesting season for me to learn about faith. God taught me so much this past summer about standing in the face of doubt. getting ready to go with the DHOP team to the UK in august was one of the biggest faith-building adventures i've ever walked through. i was very nearly fired over a mix-up in my tickets that had me coming home 4 days later than they approved me. it was so close that two days before i left, with about 6 minutes more of my shift, i was taking the pictures off my cubicle walls because i was sure i wouldn't have a job when i came home. i wondered if i was crazy, but felt i had to go on the trip - that God told me to go, and chose to believe He would somehow work it out. my manager came to me (as i was taking things off the walls as inconspicuously as possible) and said they had someone change vacation plans at the last second and they could approve me for the time off after all. i started to tear up right there and then. God just said, "see! i've got it. just trust me".

both on the trip, and since we came home He's spoken to me about some pretty major things He has for my life and future. He's also continued to remind me of promises He's spoken over this city. the faith He increased in my heart over the summer is daily called upon, and never more so than this week. what God requires of me - of all of us - is to continue to stand in the face of doubt and discouragement to see Him do what He said. we will reap if we don't faint. this is what our week was about. it was a difficult 24-7, but vital to our journey. i can't wait to see how He will do it all.