Not sure if it’s obvious where I’m writing this from.
Some of the more astute of you may recognise and realize this to be Krakow.
Today is my 40th day of 40 spent praying, serving and intentionally, mindfully, just “being” in ‘Polska’ – Poland, planned since over a year ago.
It has been both a challenge and privilege to be here, connecting with friends who are well on the way to establishing a very exciting new Spirit-ordained Christian House of Prayer, in a very significant location I will not right now disclose. (Perhaps more to follow on that another time…perhaps not.) There is season of new wine and joy to come. Contrary to popular belief, the Kingdom of God is advancing on planet earth – and it won’t look like things gone before. Not denominationalism, religion, or nor mere man’s rhetoric. Only true and authentic, belief-filled, faith relationships and lives truely led by the Holy Spirit, in conjunction with co-labouring with God the Father, in intimacy and fellowship with our resurrected King Jesus, will remain and stand through times ahead.
This intentional, planned time praying, worshipping and therefore establishing significant work in this depressed, oppressed part of Europe has been 18 months in the making.(Three ridiculously cheap Ryanair trips to Poland and a near death accident later- part of the build-up to my faith-filled, stubborn Summer steps to this part of the world). This is probably my first proper time prayerfully establishing things in Europe, but also probably won’t be the last. In Europe or elewhere. You can ask me more about that in real life.
Good things come to those who wait.
In times past (ridiculous times), I’ve been accused of “praying too much.” But can one ever pray too much? And where does prayer even begin? After all, we are counselled by Paul to, ‘pray without ceasing.’ For me, my central focus for prayer began not least in my mother’s womb when my Mum prayed for years and years for a little girl after having 4 boys before being en route to getting their eventual hearts’ desire. She and dear Dad perhaps got more than they bargained for by their persistent prayers.
Yesterday morning before I left my little eastern European 39 day ‘cave season’ – a former Communist single bedroom apartment – I was enormously encouraged to hear of a miraculous healing of a Polish friend’s Dad, who had been bed bound in hospital and care for the past 4 months. After we prayed for him, God has been at work, and now he is back home standing and chatting away for the first time in 4 months. Full of life, with a smile on his face. His daughter came round to tell me, declaring to me with tears in her eyes, “Its a miracle!” There are other stories I could share here, but won’t
This is my God.
He does mighty compassionate acts like this for humble, ordinary people. All our part is, is to pray, follow, ask and preferably believe. (Though even if we do not really believe, Papa God can still work with that).
This is my God. He’s a good, good Father. As we journey on the pathway of prayer, (learning to listen, and go deeper, not just babble and talk) lives get changed. Not least our own.
Despite ongoing crap fatigue I battle with, this morning I am again full of thanks. For a pretty incredible, though far from easy, 40 days. Amidst an amazing – despite often arduous – year. It’s a privilege to have made it this far after events of recent weeks, months and indeed years. Any risky-seeming vulnerability on my part in recent past times has been very intentional, knowing the story is not over, and to give glory to Father God knowing, “no eye has seen, no eye has heard, what God has prepared for those who wait for him.” I’ve made it back to the beautiful city of Krakow and am very blessed, grateful & exhilarated to have taken my first stroll and pain-free steps of full freedom and independence in any town or city properly since three months ago.
(Krakow, Poland. copyright L Dunlop)
Prayer can and does move mountains. Nothing is impossible for God. There are many, many more stories I could share with you, but space does not permit. This season and time in my life will never ever be forgotten. It has been far, far from easy. In fact some of the most difficult, arduous days probably of my life. Jacob’s wrestling with God has taken on a whole new twist. And I am so, so thankful for all my supporters on this journey (which I’ve wisely only shared tiny snippets of on here).
Tomorrow we have the World Cup final and Wimbledon to look forward to.
It could be an historic weekend for Croatia. But France and Kevin Anderson might have something to say about that.
The best is yet to come…
emeraldscribe 
That’s an awesome read Leanne!Thanks for sharing. Hoping to find moments/hours /days like that on my upcoming visit back to the soggy (though not lately ) island. Wonderful news about your friend’s Dad’s miracle!! Praise God! As you say, the Kingdom is steadily making progress. May you know Him increasingly & deeper & deeper & may your joy be muliplied & infective!! And your health restored to fullness in His time. 🌹
Thanks for your comment on here Aine, nobody ever seems to do that, so it’s a surprise to get a comment, lol. Yes, not everyone is called to the kind of prayer pursuits I am (well, maybe I’m wrong there, Jesus did it, so who am I to think we shouldn’t all do 40 days in the wilderness with Him and like him ?! But yes, it’s been quite a year and quite a long many years actually, so it’s time for the “greater things” to come forth, and healing etc, are part of this. Enjoy your times of solitude and soaking and may you find deep rest and refreshment as you follow the ancient paths.