Monkey Faith

Every morning I have a beautiful mountain to hike. Being in the midst of the jungle, and the surrounded by the intense beauty of God's creation is one of the greatest blessings about being in Costa Rica this summer. Not only do I physically feel great after walking the mountain road, I absolutely love to solace of walking in nature and being alone with the Lord.

I have been thinking a lot about faith in general, and this morning on my walk I was thinking about my own faith. There are so many verses in the Bible about exercising our faith, and how "if we ask anything in His name, it will be given to us." As I was walking, I stopped to catch my breath and thought "it would be really neat to see a monkey this morning." I have seen a few monkeys this summer, but it hasn't been very much, and they are usually far away and difficult to see. As this thought passed through my mind, I then asked the Lord, "Lord, I really do believe you when you say that if I ask anything in your name it will be given to me. So Papa, I ask that you send a monkey for me to see." I waited a minute or two, but no monkey. Even though nothing happened, I wasn't disappointed in the Lord, nor did I feel like He said no to my request. I decided to continue on my way though, and truthfully my thoughts began thinking about something completely different then the monkeys.

Probably five minutes later, as I was feeling really proud of myself for almost finishing my walk, I look over because I saw in the corner of my eye a rustling in the forest...and what did I see right next to the road? Low and behold, there was not only one monkey, there were 8, and they were the closest group of monkeys I have seen all summer. It was monkey family, and there were even two little baby monkeys. The reality of God's faithfulness in this moment was overwhelming, and I nearly fell down in reverence to the goodness of our God.

This is such a portrait of the Lord...He does hear our prayers, and He gives us exceedingly more then we could ever ask or imagine. I think the church is more apt to praying when there is a need, but not praying for the things that they desire. The Lord longs not only to help us when we are in trouble or need, but He also likes to give good gifts to His children...even monkeys. My heart cannot help but be thankful as I walk in the reality of the Lord's great love. This is all that the Lord desires too is a thankful heart...

Philippians chapter 4:5- Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I was reading in Revelation the other day...which is such an incredible picture of God's redemption of mankind, and I read a verse, (which I believe is in chapter in chapter 5) that says that our prayers are a held in a bowl and are incense to the Lord. Not only does God bless us through answering our prayers, but he stores them and they are like incense to Him! They bring Him pleasure!

May you walk in His peace that passes understanding as you pray and seek His face. He is faithful, and wants you to put your faith in Him. For without faith it is impossible to please God.