I came across this photo tonight. It’s of me and my Grandpa Nickels in 1991. It made me think about a passage I read recently in The Circle Maker. My Aunt Mary told me to read it and so far it has not disappointed! Thanks Aunt Mary! ❤️
I’ve been thinking recently about a question that was asked of me when I was in Israel. What are you doing here? Why did you come here?
I couldn’t help but think about all the things in life that I had been through to get me there at that moment.
I hopped on a plane to Israel the day my Papaw Nickels went to be with Jesus.
It was hard to do, but Papaw’s race was over. He crossed the finish line and entered Heaven!
I thought about all the times he prayed for me. The deep heart felt prayers he prayed for his kids and grandkids. Both he and Mamaw would go boldly before God on my behalf and on many other’s as well.
The passage I came across was on pg 19 -20.
“I’ve always believed in the power of prsyer. In fact, prayer is the spiritual inheritance I received from my grandparents. I had a grandfather who would kneel by his bedside at night, take off his hearing aid, and pray for his family. He couldn’t hesr himself without his hearing aid on, but everyone else in the house could. Few things leave as lasting an impression as hearing someone genuinely intercede for you. And even though he died when I was six, his prayers did not. Our prayers never die. There have been moments in my life when the Spirit of God has whispered to my spirit, Mark, the prayers of your grandfather are being answered in your life right now. …I realized that my grandfather had been praying circles around me before I was even born.” Mark Batterson
My Papaw didn’t get to see me go on a mission trip or see how it changed my life. I have no doubt that he played a big part in getting me there through his prayers! My Mamaw and Papaw Nickels prayers are the reason I’m here right now.
Israel brought out a deeper, bolder more passionate praying Iva than who I was before. I feel like that I have awoken from a deep slumber. I’m excited to see where God takes me.
Sometimes I feel like my prayers don’t get through. God hears our prayers and answers them in His perfect time and in His perfect way! Sometimes he says no because there’s something better.
Don’t get discouraged in your prayers! God is working on something now. He may not give you your answer today or tomorrow- but God will answer your prayers!
Love from above,
Iva Mae
LIES FROM THE MIRROR 