put your waders on

Big Idea: When we move toward God, God moves toward us!

I recently read a powerful story that I have to share with you.

About fifty years ago, there was a severe drought in Mississippi that threatened to destroy an entire season of crops. A rural church with a large congregation of farmers called an emergency prayer meeting.

One by one, the desperate farmers walked into the church, ready to pray for rain. Most of the farmers arrived wearing traditional blue jean overalls, but one farmer stood out in the crowd.

He wore waders to the prayer meeting!

I'm sure he got some weird looks that day, but that didn't stop him from proudly wearing his waterproof overalls. The farmer boldly participated in the prayer meeting, believing and expecting God to show up for him and the other farmers.

Sure enough, God answered. The wader-wearing farmer walked home dry that day. The rest of the farmers walked home soaked.

I want to have that kind of faith, too. Don’t you?

It’s the kind of faith that enters into prayer asking the big, impossible asks, believing God can answer. It's not being afraid to get a few weird looks along the way. It's taking tangible, visible steps toward God and His will for your life.

Throwing on waders may not be your tangible way of showing God you trust Him, but it could be as simple as taking one next step. For example:

If you're praying for deeper relationships, put yourself out there and sign up for a small group.

If you're praying for a new job, apply for a job you're interested in.

If you're praying for a spouse, be confident in who you are, and don't be afraid to get to know someone new.

I know these steps can feel daunting, but we serve a God who specializes in blessing us. Are we willing to “put our waders on” to show God we mean business?

Be encouraged. When we move toward God, God moves toward us!

Reflect:

1. Try writing out and memorizing I Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV) this week, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

2. What have you been asking God for lately? How can you expectantly “show up in waders” through your actions and thoughts this week, and create space for God to answer your prayers His way?