Sharing a Memory
I know some people rarely share memories, feelings, etc. I probably over-share. So, for the icing on the cake today --or cookies in the Tupperware®
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| The Main House (Tom & Martha Ford) |
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| The Cabin Kitchen |
I remember well the evening the five of us, three sisters and two sisters, gathered around the fireplace in the tiny living room of the beautiful West Point, GA, cabin. The air outside was cool enough to build a fire.
Supper dishes had been cleared. We brought our meal from home, pre-cooked, even the dessert of homemade teacakes of raisins, pecans, and the simple old-fashioned plain teacake. I have a picture of all hands (except mine) reaching down into the bowl of deliciousness made by Aunt Evielean. I wanted a picture memory of that trip.
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| Teacakes :) |
We all gathered near the fire for whatever unfolded next. We never knew. Times like this have always been where we learned the most of our family history--and we were always in for that. It was rarely planned out--it just happened -Holy Spirit led. We talked. We sang songs. We shared our hearts. Wanda, it seemed, began this conversation that night: "What is your calling?" Stumped about this early on--because I didn't really know. She explained. "Your calling comes from what you are passionate about."
All around the room, we opened up, and all shared something and came to the realization that we each were basically working in or living in what we felt was our calling. For the most part. I wasn't sure yet. I knew writing was a big part of my life --but up to that point, I had done very little. This was actually before my first blog, "The Knightly News," was born. The name doesn't belong to me anymore--but all my writing from those years is found somewhere on our ministry website (www.jeffandangieknight.com).
Aunt Evielean had always wanted to be a nurse, she said. Aimee's fell into that category as well. They both had--but in different capacities. Aimee became a registered nurse--and Aunt Evielean served her family--nursing many through sicknesses, even cancer. Mother and I were a little more stumped in our calling, but Wanda was clear: "I've always wanted to be an intercessor."
What a high calling. In reading this morning, I realized that that could be considered one of the highest callings. Jesus intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). And the Holy Spirit intercedes for us: Romans 8:27 "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."
I know there have been times I have failed to act on the nudge to pray for someone. This whole line of memories flooded back this morning when I read from my MUFHH devotional (My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers). Click the link below to go to the Utmost webpage. I have the book--and I've worn out one, and mother gave me another one last week. I used that devotional for so many years the cover became detached, and she had to make me a cover to hold it together. Yes, it's hard to read sometimes--you will see when you click the link. However, I did select the updated version for you. I generally stick with the classic--I NEED my mind to stretch and dig the words out. Fair warning--Oswald does not go lightly for the reader. He wrote to be a life changer for Christ. Not to help you slide into an easy life of following Jesus--but to pursue Him with all you have and more--until every ounce of flesh and self has been squeezed and purged out to reveal only a heart like Christ Jesus.
The life of a true intercessor doesn't consider themselves as much as he or she considers others. My Mamo was an intercessor, for sure. That may be where Wanda first saw this in action. Tucked in close to the hips of our Mamo, Wanda and I heard firsthand prayers going heavenward on behalf of everyone who had a need. Her prayers for her unsaved loved ones made such an impact on me. Doyle, my cousin, was not living for God. She prayed faithfully for all her grandchildren, but especially those who were not living for God. I remember her calling his name and the name of my daddy because neither was he. Both running hard in the opposite direction. But I can say with assurance that Doyle left this life knowing Jesus, and my daddy found Christ to be closer than a brother from his prison cell. She never lived long enough to witness either prayer answered....but her prayers made the difference.
I wonder today--what are my prayers doing? You too?
Whether you see the results today or not. KNOW that they are making a difference. And trust God--HE never lets a prayer go unnoticed. Keep interceding. Whether you know one (intercessor) or not, BE one.
God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
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