Over the past few months I’ve often found myself considering the transformation that has been accomplished in our kitchen, conservatory, and our garden.

Since we moved into this house sixteen years ago, there have been many times when I looked at the kitchen, and I looked at the three decrepit sheds in the garden, and my heart sank. I thought: “we will never have the time, the energy or the money to make these situations good.”

But now I see a total change, a complete transformation – how did it happen? I thought it never could or would.

This encourages me so much as I consider those seeds of prayer that have been planted by us into our families and this community over the years. One day we will be able to look back and see that amazing things have sprouted.

This morning I was reminded of God’s wonderful timing as I read again the story of Joseph in prison in Genesis 40. I’m sure that we, in our impatience, would like to read that as soon as the Cupbearer saw Pharaoh he shared with him about the young man who had interpreted his dream so accurately. But, no. Two long years passed before God gave Pharaoh the dreams about the impending famine, and reminded the Cupbearer about Joseph. But that was the right time to bring Joseph to Pharaoh’s attention.

I wonder how many times in prison Joseph had to encourage himself by remembering the dreams which God had given him when he was a teenager.

So, let’s continue to sow our prayers into the dust. Let’s continue to encourage ourselves with God’s promises and remember the dreams he has given us, and in God’s perfect time, marvellous things will appear.

Prayer and Reflection

Who are the people that you keep turning to God to pray for?
Ask God, once again, to move in their lives and reveal himself to them.

What are the dreams God has whispered to your heart?
Hold them before God, and find a promise in the bible that encourage you to trust His timing.

God of creation, we trust you to transform the broken and decrepit things in our life. Grant us patience that we might celebrate your faithfulness. Amen.

This continues the new Prayer Focus series. A short thought and devotion to help us follow what God is saying to us, as a church and individuals; and respond to it through prayer.