Did I Really Pray For That?

Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:19-20

Hannah’s Prayer

Elkanah had two wives and one of them, Hannah, was barren. Desperate and despondent, Hannah prays to the Lord essentially asking, “Give me a son and I will in turn give him back to You.” God answers Hannah’s genuine and sincere prayer.

Although the Bible doesn’t record it, I suspect this was not Hannah’s first prayer regarding this issue; we know she was a Godly women. The passage implies however that this was the first time she prayed in accordance with the Lord’s will. God had a plan for this child (Samuel) that would require His bringing the parents to a special place of prayerful submission. Hannah would have her son, but it would be on God’s terms. Therefore, it stands to reason that when we cannot seemingly come to terms with God, the answer might be, “When you change your heart, we’ll come back to this matter.”

The reality is that prayer changes us and we cannot change God. As we pray and as God answers (He does respond to every prayer a believer raises), we are conformed and our petitions begin to align themselves with His plan–it’s a process we must willingly submit ourselves to. It is then we are truly in prayerful-harmony with the Creator of the universe!

God Doesn’t Answer My Prayers

What stands out from today’s verse selection is that Hannah remembered what she prayed for and gave thanks. We might initially think, “Of course she remembered; this answered prayer was huge and miraculous,” but keep in mind the prayer request was over nine months old. As an application I would ask everyone (myself included), “Do we recall what we prayed for nine months ago?” If we don’t, then how do we know if our prayers are being addressed. Would it not be a shame if a prayer was answered and we forget to give thanks?

Should We Journal Our Prayers?

Journaling is a useful tool and could serve to prevent prayer-layering, the process of layering requests because we have forgotten what we previously have prayed for. An example of prayer layering might be, “Lord, I pray that I might learn to be fully dependant on You for all my needs,” and then praying six months later, “Lord, please move my boss to give me a raise.”

Forgetting and layering only serves to contradict and confuse. God’s answer to layered prayers might not be, “No,” but rather “slow down buddy, we’re still working through the first one!” It’s a trap we all fall into occasionally; I know I have.

I recently prayed for a sign from God before heading down to Haiti on a mission trip. What I had forgotten is that I had years previously told the Lord that I desired to walk by faith and not by sight and that I’d rather He didn’t give me signs before He moved me to do something. It was after going to Haiti by faith that the Lord reminded me of my earlier appeal and how He was abiding in my request.

As for journaling, I don’t as of yet, but that’s just because I have gotten into the habit of praying with others or telling others what I have been praying for. The point is that God does not ignore His children and if you are one who believes He does, you might need to begin jotting prayers down in order to discover the truth and faithfulness of God.

 

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Haiti and Submission to the Holy Ghost

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

An Email, an Open Door and Disobedience

Less than forty eight hours after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, I received an email from my daughter’s principal at Calvary Christian School—he and others from the church were going to Haiti. They were looking for donations, not volunteers, but I figured it never hurts to ask—so feeling led by the Holy Spirit, I did.

He responded promptly and advised me that the decision was not his, but one of the elders from the church. He gave me the number and I quickly called. I was told I could go if I could get an airline ticket—he added that there was little chance of that happening because of the crisis—the airlines to the Dominican Republic (the only way into Haiti) were sold out. I hung up the phone and immediately began searching for a flight. Almost instantly I found a flight and saved it while I called him back.

“I have a flight!” I told him.

My First Mistake

As I told him my good news, I sensed in the tone of his voice that he rather I did not go. He didn’t say I couldn’t go, it was just the impression I received. Led by my emotions (and not the Spirit), I asked him what were his thoughts on my going. He convinced me to wait for one week when another team would be going. It pained me, but it seemed to make sense—I had essentially talked my way out of going.

After the longest week I ever endured, the news came that I could not be a part of the next team—it was going to be all medical and pastorial. It was then I was nearly certain I should not have bailed on the previous opportunity—God opened a door and I slammed it shut. I was then told I would be on the following week’s team. The only problem was that team-two came back with a negative report–apparently there were giants in the land.

I questioned their faith, but the Lord quickly convicted my heart, “Where is your faith David?” He asked.

Spiritually I struggled. Was God telling me to step-out in faith like the priests who placed the soles of their feet in the raging Jordan River before God heaped up its waters or was I to patiently wait on the Lord as the psalmist proclaimed. I discerned from the Lord I was to go to Haiti by faith, but alas, my counselors were advising me otherwise. Honestly, it was agonizing.

Another Door

From the very beginning of these events, a friend of mine gave me a name, an email, and phone number for a young, Christian, Haitian man living in Port Au Prince. It sat on my desk for 3 weeks before I called him. At first he too was hesitant, but I convinced him that I was responding to what the Lord had placed into my heart–all I asked of him was a safe place to lay my head at night. He indicated he was willing to provide this, so I ordered my non-refundable airline tickets.

A Hiccup

Twenty four hours before I was to leave for Haiti, I emailed, I telephoned, and I Facebooked my new Haitian friend with my flight and bus information. No response.

“Now what?” I asked of the Lord

And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:29-32

I sensed the Lord was telling me now what He was telling me all along—to just go to Haiti as a willing vessel and He would provide all that I needed. This time I was determined to obey and in so doing would confirm one of two things: I was hearing the Lord speaking clearly to my heart ~or~ I was totally misinterpretating what I was hearing.

God Reveals Himself

“Lord, once in Haiti I will be completely powerless; I present myself to You to be used as You see fit,” was the prayer I repeated over and over on the plane to the DR. I continually looked over the comforting Bible verse my friend Ruth gave me an hour before I left for the airport:

Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand against you; the Lord your God will put the dread of you and the fear of you upon all the land where you tread, just as He has said to you Deuteronomy 11:24-25

I exited the plane in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic and went to retrieve the 130 pounds of supplies I had brought along—friends had donated over $2,000 with which I was able to purchase twenty tents. These were stuffed into three duffle bags along with medical supplies and tooth brushes that were also donated. It was midnight in the DR and my plan was to sit in the airport till daylight and take a taxi to the bus for the ten hour trip to Port Au Prince. There was still no response from my Haitian-host-to-be.

The first thing the Lord provided was a free luggage cart. I loaded it up and went to find a seat. Outside of the luggage carousel area I sat in the fast-food dining area. I cradled my head in hands and was prepared to wait the six of seven hours until sun up. As I offered some praises to the Lord for bringing me safely this far, I was approached by a young lady.

“Do you need a ride?” the she asked.

It’s not what you think; this young lady was holding a YWAM sign and had been searching arrivals for the folks who had signed on to serve with that ministry. In reality, she initially thought I was one of those people. I explained to her that I wasn’t and was waiting for morning to take the bus. She said they had a bus packed and ready to go to Port Au Prince now—and I could go if I wanted to. Is our God amazing or what!

I loaded my gear onto the bus and we headed back to the YWAM base camp in Santo Domingo. As it turned out, the bus in question would not be going to Port Au Prince after all, but to St. Mark for a medical mission. Not to worry I was told, there were two men at the base camp who were going to Port Au Prince.

Sugi and Somi

The YWAM leader introduced me to my ride, “This is Sugi and Somi, and they’re going to Port Au Prince. They can take you where you are going.”

Both Sugi and Somi were Indonesian pastors living in California and Texas (respectively) and they were serving with a ministry called World Harvest. I told them about my situation and it was agreed that if I could not make contact with my host in Haiti, I could join forces with them to minister to the needs of the Haitian people.

The Lord was proving Himself over and over.

I tossed my supplies into their rented van and we set out for the ten hour journey to Port Au Prince. Sugi and Somi had made arrangements to stay with another ministry and we followed behind their bus. When we finally crossed the border, I discovered that my phone which was supposed to work in Haiti didn’t. I was now unable to make contact with my host. Sugi and Somi were stuck with me, but I see now this was the Lord’s plan all along—to just step out in faith and He would provide all my needs.

The Lord blessed me beyond what I or anyone deserves and in turn we were able to be blessing vessels for Him to the Haitian people. I had traveled to Haiti before and I confess on that trip I was scared, but this trip was different. I felt safe and secure in the loving arms of my gracious and merciful Father. Even when swarmed by masses of people trying to possess the water or food we were distributing, I always felt His protection around me.

Continually through this journey, the Lord demonstrated His faithfulness and I can tell you that I came away from Haiti feeling more blessed than the people we came to be a blessing too–I am always amazed by the Lord’s multi-tasking abilities. Everyone I met on this trip was of the same mind and opinion; Americans and Haitians alike. God is better than anyone deserves and we need to share that truth with everyone we know or meet.

Post Script

As a body of believers, we (I) need to be more sensitive to what the Lord through His Holy Spirit is trying to accomplish through our brothers and sisters in Christ. While it is true that common (worldly) sense dictates going to Haiti without much of a game plan is foolishness, it is only irrational if the Lord hasn’t directed you to do so. Sadly, in light of the Lord’s obvious and enduring hand upon the entire journey, I suspect there will likely be Christians who will still assert I should not have gone.

I cannot help but be reminded of the twelve spies Moses sent to spy out the Promised Land. Ten of them recorded a fearful report of giants in the land, but two of them, Joshua and Caleb, proclaimed these words…

Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Numbers 14:9

Every giant that the world lays before us has the potential to be spiritual nourishment to our bodies—these giants; any giants are akin to Wonder Bread for the Christian who is led by the Holy Spirit–they are our bread. Let me not be the one to quench the Holy Ghost in my spiritual walk or the walk of anyone else ever again, Amen.

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Remembering Haiti

…If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

The Way of Escape

While walking through the streets of Haiti, or sharing a meal at base camp, or as I lay in bed at night, I could not help but ponder, “What’s the solution to Haiti’s problems.” Haiti needs a sound government, a solid infrastructure, and a stable economy. They need leaders of industry and commerce to step-up to the challenge of investing in their nation. They need roads and sewers and running water and workable soil to farm. Haiti needs all these things and so much more, but the reality is that Haiti needs Jesus.

Think about it; without Jesus Christ, what is the relief effort really affording the typical Haitian? We can clothe, and feed, and house these souls in need, but to what end; to make them more comfortable on this earth before allowing them to slip away into hell? Our Lord would not have us offer temporary salvation, which is why everything that is done in Haiti or for Haiti, must be intertwined with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

From an eternal perspective, any relief effort that excludes the Gospel propagates the lie that tells each and every non-Christian, “Don’t worry; you’re going to be okay.” Eternally speaking, it is the cruelest thing a person could convey. At the very least, all secular relief efforts should be combined with those espousing Jesus Christ as the enduring remedy.

Having said that, I discovered my efforts in Haiti were largely secularized because I was unable to speak the language. I found some who spoke English and handed out many Christian-Creole tracts, but I realized the critical importance of being partnered with native pastors who could convey the Gospel message. What a blessing it is to know that long after I left, there will be Haitian pastors ministering to both the physical and spiritual needs of this great nation.

What YOU Need to Do

When this tragedy struck, so many of us were very quick to make a donation towards the relief efforts, but this is not enough. Christians, we need to give something on a regular basis. I would encourage every believer who is reading this now to affiliate themselves with any Christian ministry whereby they could give at least once-a-month. It makes no matter what amount you give and to what ministry you donate, but do it and have it automatically withdrawn so you will not forget.

The sad truth is that America is quickly forgetting Haiti; it is yesterday’s news. The media has set Haiti aside because the news must be fresh and exciting in order to promote advertising slots and relief work (in their eyes) does not sell. In a very real sense we are allowing the media to determine what is important to us; all the more reason why I implore you to search out a Christian ministry where you can give at least once a month.

The Work Has Begun

I chose a good day to leave Haiti; if I had stayed I would not have been able to do any work—the entire country was shut down for three days of prayer. As we drove through the streets of Port Au Prince to the bus station, we found the roads clogged with people walking to local churches or open areas where the Good News was being proclaimed. Where these places were packed beyond capacity, people overflowed onto the streets and plopped down to listen and pray. I have heard reports of thousands repenting and giving their lives to Jesus Christ. In order for Haitians to rise above the ashes, this must continue ~and~ these people must be discipled in their new faith.

All of this makes satan and his demons very mad. Non-believing factions will be rising up to combat the Christian relief and restoration efforts. For the non-believer, satan is a powerful adversary, but for the Christian he was rendered powerless by what Christ Jesus did on the cross at Calvary, therefore the body of Christ must not submit to the secular position; we must be resolute in our determination to bring the Gospel message at any and all cost. The people of Haiti’s singular hope must be in Christ alone.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

 

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Going to Haiti: Relief Effort

The Lord has been opening doors for me to go to Haiti! It is my personal conviction to pay my own way back and forth to Haiti and to not be a burden to anyone in Haiti while I am there–Haiti does not need any more burden. Please pray for the team that left Saturday morning (1/16/09) for the D.R. and are driving into Haiti.

However…

I will accept any monetary donation with which I will purchase appropriate medical supplies, generic medicines, soap, tooth brushes, and those types of things. These items will personally accompany me to Haiti and I will see that they get to whoever needs them–no middle man. I will post the receipts on FB for these items as I buy them.

How Can You Donate?

If you do PayPal you can send a donation to Gnuheart@aol.com or you can send a check or money order to me directly. My final request on that issue is that you do it soon.

UPDATES from the HAITI RELIEF TEAM

Wednesday, Jan 20 12:24am– Today team one made their way to a refuge hospital on the Haiti/DR border in the town of Jimani. From the accounts I received the ministry was very good but there remains much more need than there is ability to meet it. There remains only 1 surgeon to treat 200-300 patients and while the physician is overwhelmed, he is incredibly grateful we are there and has given us a full green light to minister to the patients, pray with them and care for them.Increased medical personnel at this hospital would most certainly be welcomed…They said their plan for tomorrow is to meet the mayor of the town, go to the port warehouse and bring the supplies back to the orphanage, and scout the area to see if it will accommodate a base camp for future teams…but this is also a “trip of the unexpected” and “walking by faith.” Before this update could be completed, the team just told me they made contact with a pilot from Miami who has access to other planes and is eager to help in any way. The plan for tomorrow has already changed! The pilot is taking Lonnie and Raul to Leogane which was hit worse than Port-au-Prince, as it was right near the epicenter. There is, according to news reports, a greater need and they are airlifting as much medical supplies as they can there.

DONATIONS TO DATE (*received ~and/or~ anticiapted)
Cash to date: $960.00
Supplies: $500.00 assorted med supplies
Supplies: Case of toothbrushes (value not yet determined)
Total to date: $1,460.00+

PLEASE PRAY FOR HAITI EVERY TIME YOU HERE HER NAME

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