Need a refresher about what the Elijah Prayer Project is? Or maybe a reminder of the (rules?)
I have a memory.
Me as a little one. Long, blond hair in pigtails. Just got into trouble…again. Daddy kneels down. Brushes loose hair away from my brown eyes and looks deeply into them.
I’m sure there were many words of wisdom given that day. A correction. A hug. But all I can remember are the words that have stuck with me for all of my life.
Big hand on my head directing my eyes to his.
“Honey, it doesn’t do any good to be pretty on the outside if you’re not pretty on the inside.”
Such truth in that simple statement.
I’ve served my time in front of the mirror. Heard it call me names like, “fatty, plain Jane, I guess that will have to do…” And other times when it seemed to smile at me, “beautiful, lovely, perfect for you…”
The mirror does have two faces. And my life has been spent in an up and down cycle I can’t seem to get out of.
But the mirror can’t see inside. Some people don’t bother to look past the outward layer. When they do they find someone with much to give…most of the time.
“It doesn’t do any good to be pretty on the outside if you’re not pretty on the inside.”
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.“ 1 Samuel 16:7
Thankful again and again for this truth. That my heart would reflect His pure love is my prayer. That His Word would be hidden there so that when one looks in…they find Him.
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
Strong arms brought me such comfort. Strength of character brought me a wealth of wisdom. A safe place to land. Protection and peace. Freedom to grow and encouragement to fly. That is the legacy my earthly father leaves me.
“It doesn’t do any good to be pretty on the outside if you’re not pretty on the inside.”
Because I have known this joy I feel pain for those who have not. And I pray that my Heavenly Father will bind up their wounds, turn their ashes to beauty, set their feet on The Rock.
I have been given much. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).
Will you join me in praying for the fatherless today? I bear a deep burden for them.
“Lord, in the strong Name of Jesus we pray that those who have no good earthly father would find Your strong arms a safe place to land. Protect them, O Lord. Turn their mourning to dancing. Let them hide safely in Your shadow and draw close to Your side where Truth and Grace abound.”
Amen.
Please join me. My heart is to serve you, encourage you, teach you and bless you as we walk on this journey called life…together. Subscribe today, and we’ll find God waiting for us in the everday.
