Retreat

Lee is at an overnight men's retreat. Is this answered prayer? He has never been to a men's retreat while we've been married. I may have suggested it in the past, but I don't remember. I only remember the status quo--which is that I know he'd never go on one, so I don't even bother asking. But here we are. He's on a retreat.


His old friend Tim is the new pastor of Eastminster Pres, and Tim has asked Lee to join the (really poor) worship band and help turn it around. The worship band guys are going on the retreat--I imagine that's how Lee got himself roped into it, despite his reluctance.


This is one of those things that I could have never made happen. Only outside circumstances could have brought Lee to the point where he agreed to do something so uncomfortable for him. 


Today's passage is Isaiah 37:1-20. The King of Assyria has threatened to march on Israel if Hezekiah doesn't surrender. Hezekiah isn't able to stand up to this attack; he needs outside circumstances to thwart Assyria. He sends messengers to his "God translator," Isaiah.


God speaks to him through Isaiah: "Do not be afraid of what you have heard. Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’”


Hezekiah's role in this was to ask the Lord for help. Then God orchestrated the circumstances to protect Hezekiah through no outward move of his own. The Assyrian king got distracted, basically--then went home and got murdered. That's what it looked like. Invisibly, though, God's hand was in it.


Was God's hand in Lee's decision to go on this men's retreat? I have no idea. Lord, I'm straining, contorting myself to see You in my life situations. Are you showing Yourself to me? Did I read that passage about Hezekiah and Your invisible help for a reason? 


There are other examples of what could be answered prayer. I prayed about our finances, for You to open Lee up to the idea of a budget advisor. Then he met with Bobby C and totally loved the guy. 


I prayed that we would find a church we could both love, and the result was beyond what I hoped for. A friendly church close by which Lee feels comfortable in--and where we are friends with the pastor and his family.


What am I still praying for? For Sara's salvation, for some sort of spiritual book deal. For Lily's kindergarten choices. For whether You want us to bring a child into our home. What else should I be praying for?


I pray for the role You have for me to play at our new church. That You would show me clearly how I am meant to use my gifts to help. I pray for guidance on teaching and training up the children to know and love You. I pray for peace among my family as Mom and Dad work out the arrangements of buying a house in Roswell. 


I pray that you would bless my marriage, and that You would speak to Lee this weekend. I pray that You would open my heart to whatever Lee comes back with. I pray for our children, that they will walk with You, that You will protect them from all the awful stuff. Or be with them in the midst of the awful stuff, as a very real presence they can almost feel.


I pray for Isabel and Lily to develop an obedient spirit, to me and Lee, and to You.


In Your son's name I pray.


Amen