Why Are We Quiet?

On the way to church one night for a special prayer gathering, my kids grumbled about missing play time. I got frustrated as I explained the power of prayer and how we are literally communicating with the Almigty when we pray. 

I was trying so hard to convey to them the power we have access to through prayer when I felt my annoyance level skyrocket. Why couldn't they understand? How could they not get excited at the opportunity to go before the Throne of God for someone and watch all of Heaven answer that prayer? What was I doing wrong in raising them?

And then it hit me. My words stopped tumbling from my frustrated lips. 

They didn't understand because they weren't experiencing the amazing things I was. I have experienced the supernatural. I've felt the Lord speak and when I obeyed, I was rewarded with seeing Him work through my actions of obedience and petitions of prayer in ways I could never have expected or predicted. 

I have been in situations where my prayers were directly and immediately answered for different things for myself and others. I've also watched the Lord work things out beautifully over time through a series of events . I've experienced things that can't be explained away by man's knowledge.

But my kids hadn't. Not only that, they didn't know I had either.  And the reason they didn't know is because I didn't tell them. Why not?

For the same reason that I hesitate every time I talk to others or post here. Because I am afraid of the reaction I'll receive from others when I describe sensing the Lord's voice in my life or having prayers answered in front of my eyes. I don't want to scare anyone away. I don't want anyone to think I'm crazy. And because of my fear and self-preservation, I was robbing my kids of experiencing God personally. 

Right then, during that car ride, I shared a few things with them that better illustrated how important and intimate, and mind-blowing prayer is and can be. Their eyes opened wide and even though they were slightly shocked, I didn't feel like they doubted me. It was refreshing. I've made myself a promise not to prejudge their ability or desire to hear the truth. Not the watered-down version of what a relationship with God looks like, but the kind of relationship the disciples enjoyed with Jesus: A deep friendship; an awe and reverance that comes only from truly knowing someone and finding them trustworthy. That's the foundation for big-time prayers that sound crazy, but are kid's play to the Lord. That's the mindset needed for petitioning the Lord the way He tells us to. 

Are you quiet too? What amazing experiences with the Lord are you keeping to yourself for fear of judgment?

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