Prayer is Breaking -

Psalm 78:70-72 (NIV)  He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

This is a thought provoking section of Scripture.  Read the selection above and then insert your name for David's. Pray about your life and ask God to reveal to you just where you were when He snatched you up from your 'sheep pen'.  Examine your Christian walk and acknowledge the miracle God has done in your life.

When I read these three lines for the first time I immediately knew what topic we were going to address today.  God had done marvelous things for us and He wants to continue to do these things for others through us.  He wants to use us as He used David - to make an impact.

I realize that God had to break me before I was usable.  God had to mold and twist and shape me like a hunk of modeling clay. The process is never ending, as God is constantly transforming our hearts to look like His.  It is a lifelong endeavor, and there is often pain from the stretching, kneading, and the pressure to make us pliable enough to be used effectively.

David's time as a shepherd was training ground for the time God would use him to shepherd His people. What is God preparing you for?  Do you know the purpose for the pain and unpleasantness you are now experiencing.  What is God shaping you for? Who is He preparing you to minister to? The greater the pain, the greater the plan.

Psalm 76, 77,78