This blog post is part of a series of posts reflecting on 2023 and inviting us all to consider the story God continues to write in our lives each day. See all the posts in this series here.
As 2023 began, it came with hope, with expectancy, with excitement about seeing what story God might write in the 12 months ahead. Early on in the year at Bible study on the college campus where I work, my teammate challenged us all to consider a “list of impossible things” as we reflected on Mark 10:17 which reminds us that with man many things are impossible, but not with God. He encouraged us to consider listing out situations to pray over in our lives and the lives of people around us that felt impossible, but in which we expected God to show up.
A few weeks before that night, I had already been considering a similar concept as I studied Matthew 17:20.
Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
The following is part of a prayer I wrote in my journal back in January 2023 reflecting on that passage, a prayer of expectancy to go a long with my “List of Impossible Things.”
Jesus,
I want that kind of faith.
It’s described as “small”
but moving a mountain doesn’t seem small to me.
And yet, there are things I want to see shifted,
mountains I want to see moved.
Help me to dare to believe it’s possible.
Mountain move.
Instead of overworked, discouraged, and overwhelmed,
may those I know who labor hard in ministry feel rested, joyful, supported.
Mountain move.
Where students are anxious, depressed, and unsure of life itself
may they be filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Mountain move.
For those trapped in addiction, unhealthy relationships, and overwhelmed by drama,
break chains & bring freedom!
Mountain move.
In marriages on the brink of crumbling,
show them how to love each other well, listen deeply, and follow you above all.
Mountain move.
May anyone’s unmet loneliness, grief, and unmet longings
be met with grace, compassion, and ever-growing contentment
knowing you fill our lives with good things.
Mountain move.
In A—-‘s work situation. Mountain move!
In D—-‘s health journey. Mountain move!
In B—-‘s depression. Mountain move!
In K—-‘s desire for a new home in a new place. Mountain move!
In my plans for —– this year. Mountain move!
In sticking with rhythms that bring life from a place of grace yet consistency. Mountain move!
In J, I, S, & G’s lives, overwhelm them by grace. Mountain move!
Jesus, will you move some mountains this year? I don’t know how big or small my faith is in comparison to a mustard seed, but I’m bringing what I’ve got, grateful to know, You are the one who has power to move mountains. Amen. Let it be so!
This call to expect God to move was theme that wove its way throughout the year. The words changed a little as time went on. In the summer this popped up through the concept in Ephesians 3:20 that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. This fall the call was to expect God to bring abundant life (John 10:10) in places where Satan was stealing, killing, and destroying. The exact phrases changed, but our God did not. Time and time and time again I saw God show up in the places I expected Him to (and many more).
This doesn’t mean that every prayer was answered in the ways I desired. Not even close. Illness came and wasn’t healed. Relationships were shattered. Dreams and hopes for myself and others weren’t fulfilled. But with a heart of expectancy, I could see that God was at work in writing my story and the story of those around me. The plot line wasn’t “perfect” from my view, but the story isn’t over either. May we continue to live with expectant hearts each day, eager to see the mountains God moves that maybe we didn’t even know were there.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3
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