A spring day in the mountains...

Saturday was a great day in the mountains. As I finish up my last three months in Naju, I hope to have more days like I did on Saturday.

With a backback, some books, and some water, I set out for the mountains. It's always a bit of an adventure when you hike new trails, but each time I hike I go a bit further and have more and more area I am used to. It's kind of the same way you learn any new place you live in or visit.

As the crow flies, I was probably never further than 3 miles from my apartment. But the windy trails led me to a world I had never before seen. It was awesome! Wow, what a cool day.

As I wrestle with life decisions, future, etc, I find it very helpful to get out and spend the day in the mountains. God was good to me, and showed me a few things I really needed to remember. I hope you are blessed by these things, as well as you read them.

When we pray, why are we praying? Are we praying so as to "twist God's arm?" Maybe we ask a lot of people to pray, thinking if we get enough people praying, it will have to happen. I do not believe this is the Biblical way to pray, though I must admit I have prayed this way a lot in my life.

When we pray, we are praying God's will into existence, in a sense. We ask for what we see in our minds as the solution to our problems, but we understand that God's will is perfect. The Lord's prayer, after reverently honoring (hallowing) the name of God, asks the Lord to bring his kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What are the implications of this then? As believers, we know that God mysteriously works all together for our good, according to Romans 8:28. This means that when doors close, we don't have to be sad. We can just say, "God has something better. He is working it out for my good." The freedom this brought me was incredible. I don't have to worry in decision making. My sovereign God will work it out.

So why should I ask for prayer then? God commands it, is honored by it, and works through it. I don't have time to site all the scriptures for this right now, but I think you follow me. Also, as I was doing my devotions today, I came across this in II Corinthians 1:11--"You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many." When we ask people to pray, we often forget to share with them the blessings God gives us later.

Conclusion: my time in the mountains was really good. It helped me renew my mind on God's goodness. I know that in seeking him first and asking for things, knowing that he knows my perfect needs, he will provide. If he doesn't answer my prayer, I praise him for providing what I need more. If he does, I praise him for what he gives me.

Thank you for prayers. I am excited for you to share in God's blessings in my life. Miss you all a ton. Look forward to seeing you this summer.

Lots of love from East Asia,

Jay