i think i've been learning the power of intercessory prayer lately. my best friend and i were reading through a passage in Luke where Jesus tells Simon Peter that He prayed for him so that his faith would not fail. He also prayed that when it did fail, that he would come back stronger so that he could lead others to Him. this was incredible to me. apparently, intercessory prayer was even important for the God of all creation. Jesus prayed for His friend. and how important this must make intercessory prayer for us. it's incredible.

in my last blog i wrote about how upset i was about leaving. leaving my friends for something that felt like nothing. well, incredible news! i got into nursing school. there was a spot open. and i would say that i don't know how it happened. but i do. it wasn't by my skill at all. i shouldn't be in the program. but i have had countless people praying for me. and i could feel it. my mom, my family, friends. and austin fasted for me. he didn't know exactly what to fast about. he fasted for direction for me. but literally, the day he finished his fast, about 5 hours later, my mom called to tell me about the nursing program. now i understand that this can be seen as coincidence. but i don't care. i know what it was, because i know how impossible it would have been to get into the program without it.

and the Lord must have known that i needed that. i hate that i needed some material proof that He loves me, but i did. and still, he gave it to me. he showed me the way. and along the way, there was frustration, and anger, and confusion. but after all that time of sitting stagnant and moldy, the Lord made something beautiful of it. He gave me what i never thought was possible. and now, i see him for something that i hadn't before. i see Him as truly kind, and loving, and caring. and if all that pain led to that one conclusion, then i'm okay with it. really. it was all worth it.

and so if intercessory prayer was that important, then i have to do it for others. even if what they get out of it all is just a clearer picture of the true character of God, then i'm going to do it. and i guess that's all for tonight. or eh....this morning.