Istanbul, Turkey

I’ve been visiting a local coffeeshop here in Istanbul. It’s here that I come to read the Bible and to find a quiet space in this bustling city of twelve million people. It’s also where I came to write this blog to inform you beautiful people what the Lord is doing.

The Prayers of the Saints

During the week, we spend four hours in prayer and worship with fellow friends here in Turkey. A few people play instruments and lead in a song and then the person facilitating that day will give us the focus of that day’s prayer. 

We’ve prayed for the Middle East, Egypt, Turkey, human trafficking, and anything that they feel lead to pray that day. However, it is like a marathon, if you’re not conditioned for it, you start to get tired. After doing this for more than a week, it’s gotten a lot easier.

Wonderful Teacher

During this time, I learned something new about God. This week I am learning that the Lord is a “wonderful teacher.”

Think right now of your favorite teacher back in school. Think about what made them your favorite teacher. Was it that they were passionate? Engaging? Knowledgeable? Or that they actually cared about your existence?

Now take Jesus and the way he taught. He knew how to teach the Jews. He took subject matters that the people could grasp like shepherds and sheep to make the principles they held dear come alive. That’s why it’s important to read the Bible in context otherwise we misunderstand some of the things he taught.

Sit Down, Be Humble

The key to following God is humility. How can He lead me if I won’t let go of the reins? I don’t have all the answers, but He does. I’m not smarter than God (or a lot of people) and I need His help. This doesn’t mean I don’t employ common sense, but sometimes God asks us to do things that don’t make sense. 

God told Moses to speak to a rock so water would come out of the rock. Humanly speaking, that’s a dumb thing to do. I’m not a scientist, but I know water doesn’t come from rocks just because I talk to them, but with God all things are possible. 

Prayer Request

Lately I’ve been seeking the Lord about where to go and what to do after the Race. There are some opportunities, but not every good thing is the right thing. I’m praying Psalm 23 and 25 over it and that God would show me the right path. I’m believing Psalm 32:8 that God will guide me as long as I walk in humility. Will you join me in praying for my life and the others on my squad?

Praise

Yo, I’m fully funded! What a great feeling! My debts are paid and I owe nothing to anyone except to love them as Christ did. That’s a cause worth celebrating!