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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Did You Think to Pray?


We are thrilled to WELCOME Roxanne Langley to the Cafe today!


You think some of the things you have to do are irksome?


While traveling one day, I was discussing with my husband an odd command God gave the Israelites regarding donations that were required for the building of the tabernacle. Among the list of scarlet, purple, and blue thread, gold, silver, and copper, acacia wood, goat skins and the like, was the requirement for “the hides of sea cows dyed red.”





Now that one stumped me. They were near the Red Sea presumably, and obviously there WERE such things as sea cows. I, however, found asking for “bovines of the sea” while traipsing through the Sinai Desert a bit much. So I ask my husband, “Exactly how did He (meaning the God of the universe, sea cows included) plan on anyone finding SEA COWS in the middle of the desert?”







From the back seat in a very teen-agery, eye-rolling, duh-you-are-so-dumb voice my seven year old daughter piped up with,

“Well. . .I guess they PRAYED for one.”

That shut me down right there. Seriously, what shortage of sea cow hides CAN’T be overcome by some heart-felt, earnest supplication followed by a large dose of obedience?


As I pondered my daughter’s words, I realized two very important things:

1. Her first reaction to face an obstacle was to pray.
2. My first reaction was to question God.


Matthew 18:3 “And he said: ‘I tell you, the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”(NIV)


What was HER first reaction? What was MY first reaction? And exactly how long will it take for that to cease being her first reaction if I do not proceed very carefully with my own? She didn’t quote one single scripture touting God’s mightiness or sovreignty. There was no need. She unintentionally wrapped her words around a brick, and hurled that brick at her momma’s hard head. I think God might have even chuckled.


I also think I have a lot to learn from my child and from my Father.

What is your first reaction when faced with a daunting or seemingly insurmountable task?

When was a time your prayed and found that the task seemed easier to handle?

In Him, Roxanne

Roxanne lives in small-town Texas with her husband and two children. She teaches Jr. High school on purpose. And yes. She is a little crazy.

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13 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I loved this! Children are such great teachers!

October 4, 2009 at 10:30 AM  
Anonymous Shannon said...

What a great reminder today! I loved the brick picture you placed in my mind!

October 4, 2009 at 2:27 PM  
Blogger Celee said...

Cute and so true! I remind my kids and myself often that nothing is too difficult for God. Thank you for the wonderful illustration!

October 4, 2009 at 4:56 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Such a great post.

October 4, 2009 at 6:17 PM  
Blogger Karen said...

This was so good...I love it when the Lord uses our little ones to remind us of His greatness....

October 4, 2009 at 8:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I truly enjoyed reading this and it uplifted me very much. However, I was wondering what Bible version you took the words from about the "sea cows" because after reading this, I was so intrigued by it that I looked it up in two different versions and in both of them, all I could find was "ram's skins dyed red". But, no matter what the true rendering of the words are, the message you have presented here still magnifies the fact that if God requires something of us, he will provide it for us and especially if we ask for it in prayer. Thanks so much, Karen (writ4god@gmail.com)

October 4, 2009 at 9:55 PM  
Blogger BizzieLizzie said...

Our Lizzie was an unexpected Gift. She teaches me daily about my Faith. Her outlook is usually right on and I know that God knew I could see better through her eyes at times!

I loved your story! Thanks for sharing!

My day would not be complete without prayer!

October 5, 2009 at 7:24 AM  
Anonymous Tami said...

Amen Roxanne. This morning I was struggling to just get out of bed. I have had 4 weeks of travel and a heavy work load and today I was facing the overwhelming task of being home and getting life back in order. As I laid there wondering where to begin, I was nudge to remember to begin with God and let the rest be ordered according to His plan. So I came to the computer to begin with a few inspirational blogs before I began my morning study...and found this appropriate message. Thanks for inspiring!!

October 5, 2009 at 10:38 AM  
Anonymous Laurel@FromMyHeartToYours said...

This is really lovely. Thank you so much for sharing your heart Roxanne! A beautiful reminder woven in this story of love.

Dear Jesus, fill Roxanne with a heart so filled with passion that prayers escape her lips without even noticing! Let these prayers overflow from her heart so that all who know her can be blessed by her passion...and say "I want what she has!" Give her a blessed Monday as she teaches to the heart of her students today and let your light shine through her to bless each one!

Now, I'm off to post my own little story of prayer first...join me at my blog.

Love from Canada

October 5, 2009 at 11:04 AM  
Anonymous Lisa said...

O, the joys of God speaking through His little ones!
I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit's words of conviction that so often fall from the lips of my kids.

Many thanks for sharing your story,
www.osothankful.blogspot.com

October 5, 2009 at 1:39 PM  
Anonymous Marie said...

I am always worried when my children leave the house. Whether they're going to a friend's or just to school, I worry. I have prayed about it, asking for their safe return. I have also prayed to fear less and trust in Him that He will return them safely to me and I know prayer works. Thanks for asking the question.

www.InspiringChristianStories.com

October 5, 2009 at 2:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you all for your kinds words. I am glad anything written here is an encouragement.

Anonymous: I used the NIV text. Below is a copy of Exodus 25:3-7.

3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

I believe your question is one of semantics and semi-colons. The beginning of verse 4 (not including the goat hair) and the beginning of verse 5 (not the acacia wood) are ordered and punctuated the same way. In verse 4 there is mention of "blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen." I take that to mean that the yard AND the line were to be those colors. In verse 5 there is mention of "ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows." I take that to mean both are to be dyed red. Hope this answers your question.

October 5, 2009 at 5:37 PM  
Blogger Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

Great post, Roxanne.
I am actually drinking coffee while reading it! :>)

October 13, 2009 at 8:43 PM  

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