For many, praying for wonder asks us to open our eyes to God to meet God in the most unexpected ways, but it requires a shift in our posture—the way we look and live life.
Sweet Crystal Rowe, whose blog Soul Munchies, recently prayed for God to reveal His wonder throughout her day. I loved the surprising way God answered.
Margaret dared me to ask God to reveal his wonder to me. In all the places I would go and all the people I would see.
It’s somewhat unfortunate that the only place I went was Whole Foods. I had planned on heading to the library, but we never made it. The people I would encounter were the same ones I encountered every single day … my sweet D and my precious baby A. But I took the dare, so I prayed that God would respond. In my sweet family. And in the faces of the cashiers, baggies, other people around the store.
Not long after I prayed the prayer, I received a text from a dear friend: “Pa died last night.”
My heart broke.
Then, two other people sent me a message on Facebook making sure I had heard the news. And in that very moment – I realized … that even when I stay home all day … God can reveal his wonder to me. Through texts. Facebook. E-mail.
You see … this dear friend of mine is a junior in high school. When I began my position in my previous congregation, she was still in Confirmation. That’s how I first got to know her. She’s the granddaughter of a Lutheran pastor. The pastor that served that congregation for 20+ years before he retired. And she’s incredible. So intelligent. So faithful. So beautiful.
She shared her faith journey during our very first youth service. She was in middle school. And spoke more eloquently than I ever could. She made us all proud. Especially her grandpa.
And as I soaked in the news of this saint who has left us behind to party with Jesus in heaven … I thought of his legacy. The faithful community of people he helped build. A community that was focused on helping those who need it most. A community who looked out for the downtrodden and broken. A community that took care of one another.
But even more important than his legacy of community – he left behind a legacy of family. A family that illustrated the meaning of grace. A family that went through all sorts of hard times – and yet remained faithful. And grandkids that knew, without a doubt, that God loves them. Unconditionally.
God revealed his wonder to me in a most unexpected way. In the midst of bad news. Funny how God works that way …
His memorial service was this morning. I wasn’t able to attend. But I hope she knows I was thinking of her. Praying for that community. Praying that God would reveal his wonder to her in the midst of all the sadness.
When we pray for wonder we cannot anticipate how God will answer.
Don’t wait.
Be courageous.
Pray for wonder.
Prepare to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK for how God will answer.
*Original photo found here
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In Wonderstruck, Margaret invites you to toss back the covers, climb out of bed, and drink in the fullness of life. Wonderstruck will help you:
- Recognize the presence of God in the midst of your routine
- Discover peace in knowing you’re wildly loved
- Identify what’s holding you back in prayer
- Develop a renewed passion for God
- Celebrate the extraordinary moments in everyday life
Pre-Order a copy of Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God TODAY (releases Christmas Day) at amazon.com or margaretfeinberg.com.
