Don’t Stop Believing

So, how many of you after reading today’s title heard Steve Perry from Journey singing in your head? God can use some pretty weird things to encourage us!

Today, I am practing believing. I have a dream. A dream to see the Bible study I have written for teen girls published. It isn’t a selfish dream. You see, after I speak to teens I often feel like I am leaving them empty handed. I have just told them that Jesus is that into them; that He is EVERYTHING that they want and are searching so desperately for in this life. I show them Jesus. I ask them to run to Jesus… and then I return to Charlotte.

I want a tool. I want to be able to hand these precious girls something that will take them the next step in pursuing Him.

But, not everyone sees it that clearly; at least not the 14 publishers who have looked at my proposal so far.

So, here is where the “don’t stop believing” part comes in. Do I or do I not believe that what I want is what God wants? If I am convinced of this, (and I am) than maybe what this is all about is God doing a work in me. Maybe God wants to deepen me, teach me perseverance, understand what it is like to be rejected and cause me to be ever becoming more dependent on Him. Yes, I think that is it.

My reading today took me to Luke 11:5 – 13. It long, but hang in there. It’s all good:

“Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’

7″Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

9″So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

11″Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” NIV

There it is; God is endorsing nagging Him! (Ladies, if you feel the need to remind someone of something over and over and over again, God’s your man!) In fact, He is telling us flat out, “You want your prayers answered? You have got to keep bugging me!

What is there in your life that you are growing tired of bugging God about? A wayward child? An inattentive husband? A dream that you have held in your heart for so very long? (Think the movie “Up”?) Please share with me below; I’d love to pray for your dream as I pray for mine!

God is saying to you today, “It’s not over! Don’t stop believing!”

I love the way that this passage says it in the Amplified version,

“So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you.

For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.” That’s good stuff!!!

My daughter, Madi and I are taking a road trip today to go and speak to some great teens at The Gate in Kinston, NC. Road trips (especially ones that are 4 1/2 hours long) are a great time to build relationships. I know we are going to have a great time; I hope to have some pictures to share with you on Monday.

Don’t stop believing and have a great weekend!

Lynn

6 Comments

  1. Believin' with you, friend!!

    I read your New Virginity post and loved it.

    Hugs,

    Amy

  2. Jennifer Renee says:

    Lynn,
    There is something I've been asking God for and many peple have been asking for it for me as well. That is my eye sight. I know God is able.
    Friend, I want you to know that I've been praying for your book to be published.
    Father,
    We know that you are able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. I ask that you will open doors for Lynn that at the moment may seem to be closed. I ask and believe that a publisher will see the importance of this Bible study for teenage girls that Lynn has written. Lord, I pray for all the girls who will be blessed by this Bible study. In Jesus' name, Amen.

  3. I stumbled upon (funny how God works!)your blog a few days ago. My daughter is 9 going on 19 and I am entering into this tween stage with fear & trembling! God is using your words to bring great encouragement to me that He will see her through & we are not alone on this journey!

    Thank you!!

    Oh, and I'm believing with you & believing that someday my daughter & I will go through your study…at just the right time!

  4. Lynn, keep on believing. Can't way till His timing shows up with your heart desire which I KNOW lines up with His.

    Julie

  5. You want to hear something completely amazing? I got a call from my agent this afternoon…she has a call with a publisher on Monday who is interested! What amazing timing; on the same day I wrote this post. Please pray that the Lord will give me favor.
    Thanks bloggy friends!
    Lynn

    PS I am home today; my conference was rescheduled due to the beautiful, beautiful snow!

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