Friday, November 29, 2013

God Meets People on the Cedarbrook Prayer Trail

I love our prayer trail. So many people have stopped to thank me for the crosses and what the trail means to them. Just this week I got an email from someone that was touched by God on the trail so I want to share it with your here.
Remy


One day in June, I was driving by the church and something pulled at me to stop by and check out the prayer trail.  I had never been on the trail. You need to know that I am not a spontaneous person and always have a plan for my day. But I drove into the church parking lot and pulled up close to the prayer trail entrance. 

I was the only one in the parking lot.  No one else was on the trail. I got out of my car and started to walk towards the gates of the trail.  I was in jeans and a light shirt.  It was warm and sunny.  Great day to check out the trail and take a little walk. 

I've been very stressed out with my marriage and proceedings with divorce.  It was not going to be an easy road and there was a lot that was very heavy on my shoulders that day.  However the experience on the trail was amazing! Gods great grace was present that day. 

As I started to walk I told myself that I really wanted to clear my head, slow down, and take in all that the prayer trail had to offer.  But MY head is ALWAYS busy and thinking about what needs to be done and what do I do next and all the problems the world is experiencing and what a mess life can be......

I read the first plaque~  "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
OK I thought, I will try. I took a deep breath. 

As I walked along the first section of the trail, I began to cry. I started to think about all the problems that I was facing and the fears that were very deep within my heart. 

I read the second plaque~ "God will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away ever tear from their eyes."  Rev. 7:17
OK I thought, I need to lean on Him and trust Him. He will comfort me. 

I continued up the hill on the trail.  I started to pray about what should I do.  I have no idea which way to turn.  No one was providing direct answers to all my life questions.  I am so confused what to do, what to think.  I need help! Someone help!

I read the third plaque~ "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."  Isaiah 48:17
OK I thought, this is starting to freak me out a little bit.  It was like He was right there with me.  He was directly talking to me.  Never have I ever experienced that before. 

I continued...a bit more slowly now.  My mind began to worry about how I was going have enough money to continue to provide for myself.  I have no one in my family that can help me, so how am I ever going to be able make it.  I am scared about the future.  Help me to understand what to do so I will be ok. 

I read the fourth plaque~ "God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." 
Wow!  Tears ran down my checks as I stood there in awe.  I could not believe what I was reading and how I was feeling.  God will provide.  I need to stop worrying and lay it as his feet.  All of it! 

I continued...my head so full of things I could hardly keep my thought pattern in line.  It was like a thousand people all talking to you at once.  I tried to quiet myself and focus on the beauty of the plants and flowers. 

I read the firth plaque~ "I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord."  Jer. 30:17
I continued up to the top of the hill where the three crosses are stationed.  As I was walking, I felt like someone was standing right next to me.  Holding me.  I looked up at the crosses, tears running down, and it began to POUR.  Not just rain a little... I mean in two minutes I was drenched.  Where did that come from?  Where is the bright sunshine that was here just a few minutes ago. 

I walked as fast as I could back down to the parking lot.  I scooted under the front door entry of the church to seek cover from the rain.  I began to laugh.  I was really soaked!  Never got to the last plaques. 


God had my attention!  I thought that no one would believe my story of what I had just experienced on the prayer trail.  It is almost like I made it up.  I stood there for some time and prayed.  Tried to dry off a bit and headed back to the car.

I started the car, began to drive out the drive way and again something told me to turn around.  When I did, there was a beautiful rainbow over the prayer trail entrance.  I have attached the photo.  

- - - - -
God will speak to us when we seek him. The Prayer Trail is not magic. It's just a means to help you focus on God. I hope you will take advantage of the trail and tell your friends about it. - Remy