"There is nothing God loves more than keeping promises, answering prayers, performing miracles, and fulfilling dreams. That is who He is. That is what He does. And the bigger the circle we draw, the better, because God gets more glory. […]The goal is glorifying God by drawing circles around the promises, miracles, and dreams He wants for you." -Pastor Mark Batterson The Circle Maker
I am thankful for circles.
The book encourages you to act faithfully by drawing circles around those people, places, things you want God to show up in. Those things that we believe God can transform and/or bring to fruition. And with that circle you stand firm in believing that God is going to meet you in your circle and answer your prayers. The story is based upon a man, an eccentric sage, who lived outside the walls of Jereusalem, who dared to pray for rain during a time when there was a great drought. This man, Honi, drew a circle in the sand and sat in the middle of the circle and confessed to the Lord that he would not move until the Lord answered his prayer for rain. So you’re probably thinking so Caneeka you are saying I need to be sitting in a hula hoop during my time of prayer. Lol! No and yes. This book isn’t calling us to draw literal circles on the ground (although you can if you want) but to stand firm in prayer, in faith, about whatever it is that you are presenting to God that you BELIEVE that He will answer. And not that the answer will be what you are wanting to hear because God’s answer to what you are drawing circles around could be not right now or maybe a flat out NO but consecrating your heart before Him and placing yourself in a position of submission is important. Here are some notes that I took while going through the group that encouraged and motivated me:
- Pray until your soul lines up with your spirit.
- It is our responsibility to pass down generational blessings.
- Circle where you are in this season that way you will be able to see where God has brought you and what He’s done.
- Pray circles around your dream
- Harriet Beecher Stowe sat down and penned the heart of God and made history.
- Never underestimate the power of a bold prayer.
- Why dream dreams that don’t require Gods intervention?
- Why do we need God if we dream about things we can do ourselves? (whew)
- Stop complaining and draw a circle around your situation. It brings you back to focus to what this is all about.
- It’s not about what we can do naturally but disciplining ourselves, our walk with Him, our prayer life etc.
- Jesus asked the blind men what they wanted even though He already knew what they needed.
- If you don’t take a risk you forfeit a miracle. If it sounds foolish to us it excites God.
- Be sensitive to the timing of the Lord.
- Take heed to the voice of God.
- Revelation 3:7 closed doors leads to open doors and protects us from something harmful.
- James 5: 17-18 Faith is believing God has the best answer.
- Pray like it depends on God; work like it depends on you.
- If you aren’t sharing your story someone is missing out. (See what I mean)
- We are enlarged in waiting; being strengthened and getting prepared.
- What would your waiting season say to those around you? (hmmm)
In addition to getting my face handed to me during this time (shame) I learned that there is a book for us parents called Praying Circles around your Children. It is on kindle so parents GET THAT BOOK! I’ve had to stop so many times while reading it just to pray and reflect on my position as a parent. Making sure I’m doing what I need to do as a parent not just in the physical but in the spiritual.
It’s been a journey, this 2012, and this book came at the right time because I was crying out to God for months like helllooooo!! *waves arms*
But you know what His timing is always perfect. ;)
But you know what His timing is always perfect. ;)
All my love,
Caneeka
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