Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul

by Jennie Allen

Nothing on earth is more fun and more full than being distributed by an all-knowing, compassionate God who knows exactly where our ridiculously blessed lives would be best spent.

The reality is that while we have two cars, extra bedrooms, and constantly worry about eating too much, downtrodden people are dying on streets alone. What a privilege to be in positions to do something about it for at least one.

God had wanted our hearts, not any dramatic sacrifice. These weren’t radical sacrifices, just simple obedience. We were just following an all-knowing God whom we completely trusted. And it was all turning out to be fun and full of life and joy.

Zac says the reason we don’t see much of the Holy Spirit in the church today is that we are not abandoned to his mission. The Spirit was given to us for a purpose: to make him known here and in the heavens where the angels watch as the cosmic war between good and evil, God and the devil plays out through us. It’s insane . . . I know. Jesus knew they could not live this life without the Spirit inside them. So at Pentecost, after Jesus had left, a wind blew and the Spirit came. He filled them, he poured out himself into them. And these men with previously common and mundane lives started to preach with no fear, heal the suffering, and start churches that would go on to carry the gospel all the way to us two thousand years later. They were average men full of the Spirit, abandoned, committed to the mission of God.

So you read and study and search and pray. Then you ask God to lead you. When we were feeling led in certain specific anythings, it wasn’t through an audible voice. It was through promptings in our spirits, a burning in your gut when you know something is real. It burns, but it is also subtle and gently, mysteriously quiet. Sometimes it makes itself clear quickly and sometimes it involves months of processing and wrestling with God till we know for sure. But he does still speak because he has things for us here—things we cannot accomplish unless we hear from him.

Surround yourself with people on the same mission.

Intentionally pursue people who make you better.

Do what he says—whatever he says.

Even if it is hard, even it is costly, it will be worth it. No matter the cost . . . obey and trust him with the consequences of that obedience. He is worth it.