The Vineyard
Dear Friends,
I don’t believe that I have ever asked God to do too much, nor do I think that my longest and most earnest prayers have had the least drag, whatsoever, on God’s capacity to hear me and at the same time tend to all the matters of the universe. Quite the opposite, I believe that I have asked (and anticipated) too little and then complain about getting just what I prayed for.
There is a real danger of praying and expecting too little and thereby limiting what God is able and prepared to do. Men like Elijah prayed for incredible things and were spectacularly answered! Paul and the other apostles not only healed and cast out demons, but also, by prayer and faith, on at least one occasion caused a man to become blind for a few days—in order to get his attention! They prayed some mighty prayers.
Today it hit me that I have continuously asked God for a "sardine" when what I needed was "sea bass"! I have asked for “just enough” because I have assumed God could not give more. How bafflingly foolish of me. My father loves me infinitely more than I love the four boys I am raising, and yet I would never deny them what they needed—and more!—-if they asked me.
Why this revelation today? I have been praying and fasting for God to give me “just enough” to get by until the lawsuit is settled, and I have been praying for God to help us meet our modest goals in camper enrollment in this country or that market. But I have withheld, for some reason, to ask God to bless me abundantly and indeed, for some strange fear that it might tax His resources!
Today His Spirit reminded that me that it pleases Him to bless His children. No, he’s not going to spoil us or give me so much that I lose sight of heaven, but He is quite willing, I now believe, to take away my fears and anxious thoughts and replace them with those things I need to minister and survive.
I don’t anyway reading this email has ever asked God for the full measure of what He is prepared to give us. I want to be bolder in going to His altar and humbling asking for His help, His hand and His blessing.
Warmly
Dean Barley
The Vineyard
Dean@VineyardCamp.com
336 351 2070
919 360 8493 (Mobile)
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