by Helen Grace Lescheid
**Are you feeling miserable and just don’t know where to turn? We would love the opportunity to pray for you. http://thelife.com/interactive/share.html
“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says, ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it” (Isaiah 30:15).
“I feel stuck in a job I don’t like,” a young man told me. “I’ve been asking God to open another door for me. But so far, He hasn’t. I want to glorify Him with my life, then why doesn’t He answer me?”
“Perhaps it’s not time yet,” I said.
The young man also told me that he works in an ungodly atmosphere where he seems to be the only Christian. “Although I’ve had some really good talks with some of the men I work with, it really hasn’t made much difference,” he said.
“God may very well lead you to another place, but while you are waiting, live each day for Him,” I said. “Do your very best work. Reach out in love toward your fellow workers. Be a cheerful person. Continue to be a light for Jesus where you are.”
As Oswald Chambers wrote, “Obey God in the thing He shows you and instantly the next thing is opened up.” Take one small step of obedience and then you’ll see the next one to take. God reveals His plan in steps, not in the total journey.
~Jesus, I want to glorify You this day. Right here, where I am. What can I do to spread your love and truth in this place?
Questions: Do you feel stuck in an unpleasant situation? What do you think God is teaching you?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/helen-lescheid/
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August 3rd, 2008 at 5:17 am
I am seeking His face to find out what He has in store for me this fall as I know there needs to be a change, but I’m not sure what that entails. It has been a difficult time of waiting and I realize that when He closes a door, H can open wide a window to see Him and His next step. I wonder, though, am I not listening well enough?
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:36 am
Sometimes, in secular workplaces, we tend to measure our ’success’ in witnessing by the outward changes we observe in our unsaved co-workers. In a culture of immediate gratification, we can get frustrated by the spiritual rebellion and seeming disinterest we encounter, presuming that our witness is lost on them. However, we are not called to harvest the lost, for that is God’s divine prerogative. We are called to be faithful, living our lives in communion with our Lord, being light in a dark world, and proclaiming the Truth. We do not know the hidden changes that are taking place in one’s heart, sometimes ever so slowly. But, God’s timing is perfect, and while we may not enjoy the privilege of being present when one receives salvation, it is credited to us as well by Him, for our faithful witness and loving perseverance! Working amongst Christians may be enticing, but that, too, can be disillusioning. We often think that a so-called ‘Christian’ environment will be harmonious and free of challenges. As Christians are imperfect, and still tempted by their sin, it can be a discouraging experience for those who come to that setting with unrealistic expectations. This is why it is so important for all Christians to keep their eyes on Jesus as their role model, and engage the Holy Spirit for the grace and power to become more like Him each day!
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 am
This devotional really touched me deeply today…it is the same situation I am in..I work for a non profit organization dealing with animals..I find the animals to be kind, loving, trusting and grateful..I find most of the people I work with to be the exact opposite..I know this kind of work is hard physically and emotionally but that is no excuse for the cut throat gossip, the bad language and the constant complaining that goes on..if each person could just try to find the good in each other..it would be a great difference..
One day last week I went to work in a different spirit..I asked God to guide me to be the one who is brave enough to stand up and dare to be different….more like Christ in the workplace..I was asked by several people what is wrong with me ..why am I quiet..and some made fun of me..I said that I am trying to take one day at a time and trying my hardest to see the good in others and be more positive about the work environment..some said “Oh that’s nice” but gave me more looks of disapproval… Driving home most nights I was brought to tears as I thought of the turmoil the animals face each day, not knowing if someone will love them enough to give them a chance..and then I thought of the workers who are for the most part mean spirited and so far from what Christ wants for us..It is so hard to work there..my husband says I need to leave ..the job is killing me..but I believe that my Father has me there for a reason…my true work is not done yet…so I take one more day at a time..trying to be different and trying to be kind and loving to everyone..I make baked goods and the difference in the people is astounding..for a short time they are all smiling and happy…and thanking me..but it is short lived….I try to set an example but it is met with negative comments and can leave me feeling so defeated…
But after reading todays message, I am inspired to continue on until God shows me the time is right to move on…
Thank you for this powerful message…
Lord, your will for us is sometimes not easy to understand or interpret..but give us the strength to see it through and make the most of the opportunities you place before us to share the word and love of your Son Jesus…there are those who will be touched just as I once was..give me more patience and more trust in You ..Amen…
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
i think God is trying to tell me that there arer people in worse shape than i am health wise when i start to fell sorry for myself He shows me someone worse then myself
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:19 am
thank you for a good devotional today
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Good morning dear ones,
Wise words Marilyn as I work in a church office. There are times when it can be very challenging. But I am reminded that none of us are perfect people and will not be perfect people this side of heaven. The Christian walk is not an easy one but who said it would be? My job is to keep focused on Jesus and his directive for my life. These situations we face are character building. Karen I am encouraged by your perseverence at your work place. You may be the only light in the lives of the people you work with. You might be the only kindness they receive each day. Keep it up Karen even when it seems like it is not appreciated. Stand firm in your belief and ask God to protect you in an environment that can be discouraging. Your Father in heaven sees this and you are planting seeds for eternity. Bless you Karen for your example to us all. I pray that each one of us will look past those unpleasant situations today and focus on Jesus where our true joy is found. Loving you all from here. Donna
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Isaiah 30:15 “This is what the Sovereign Lord the Holy One of Israel says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength but you would have none of it”…. Isaiah 30:18 “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God, blessed are those who wait for his help”. Isaiah 30:21 “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, this is the way you should go”.
As part of our daily walk we will encounter difficult situations and people where we need to respond in a way that will reflect Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. I often blow it and respond from my own thoughts and feelings. The word tells us to lean on Jesus Christ in all things, to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and not to lean on our own understanding, that he will make our paths straight.
When we spend time with Jesus Christ in prayer, read his word and seek to understand his ways we will begin to respond in ways that are reflections of how Jesus would respond. His word instructs/teaches us how to react. We are to act in obedience to his word. He is faithful to help.
In our own strength it is difficult to do, but in the power and upon reliance of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to shine a light for Christ whether others accept him or not.
May the Father who is faithful encourage us in our difficult relationships and circumstances and equip us to walk in his ways & in his truth for his glory.
God the author of our faith is faithful to complete what he has started in each one of us.
Thank you Jesus.
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Thank you dear Donna…your words are very special to my heart…the Lord gives us each other to help carry us through these difficult times..and I am so encouraged by your words of wisdom…I know I will continue to try to show my Christ like presence there and hopefully as you said plant some seeds for eternity….I am inspired by all that I have read today..thank you ladies for sharing…and especially you Donna..my sister in Christ…my prayers are with you all…
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Ladies/Friends, Please pray for me today. I feel washed out, we have ministered in our home alot lately and I can tell we are being tested. Please pray for our strength and for my husband, he is diabetic and has a terrible rash all over his legs. Love to you all, Loreli
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Loreli,
Praying from here….
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Dear Karen, your circumstances really touched my heart! It truly can be very discouraging to work amongst people who treat others with disrespect, and promote a tension-filled work environment! I’m sorry that you must face such challenging workdays! But, two verses came to me as I read your comments, dear one: Isaiah 40:28-31, which says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” The second one is Galatians 6:9, which says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” You, dear one, have the privilege of being Christ’s ambassador in your workplace, of shining His light in that darkened workplace! If these co-workers do not know Jesus, and it sounds like they probably do not, they are just acting like God expects unbelievers to act! If you find being with them causes you temptation to compromise your walk with the Lord, then you might be wise to seek other employment. But, Jesus spent most of His time on earth with the unlovely, the outcasts, the ‘obvious sinners.’ He loved the sinners, while hating the sin. This, too, is our call as Christians. If we can see these ‘offensive’ people as just lost souls needing the Savior, it changes how we respond to them. If you can withstand the trial of persecution you are encountering at your workplace, I truly believe, Karen, that your loving reflection of Jesus will pay great dividends! Hebrews 12:3 tells us to, “Consider Him (Jesus) who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (parentheses mine) May God strengthen you, dear Karen, and guide you according to His plan!
Precious Lord, thank You for Karen’s tender heart for the beautiful, homeless animals that You care about! Thank You for Your provision of homes for those animals who are so lucky to be adopted. Please, Lord, open hearts and more homes for the many left behind, innocent victims of neglect and mistreatment. And, Lord, even more importantly, we ask for Your hand upon Karen as she struggles with discouragement in a work setting that is stressful and emotionally charged. Build her up, Lord, that she would be refreshed in You and filled with Your Spirit! Grant her glimpses of the work You are doing in her and through her, that she might feel rejuvenated and press on! Illuminate her path, Lord, as she is uncertain of Your plan for her and wants to honor Your will. Bless her, Lord, with Your wisdom and direction, for it is in Your Name that we pray, Amen!
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Heavenly Father, thank You that You never tire of hearing our voices, or listening to our hearts! You reign over all the universe, ordering Your creation from Your throne, and yet, You have time for Your children, wanting to hear of our days and the burdens of our hearts! Today, Lord, we lift up our sister, Loreli and her family to You, asking for Your divine intervention and restorative touch! Replenish Loreli’s spirit, as she struggles with discouragment and trials in her home. Grant her rest in You, and fill her with Your peace. We ask for Your provision of medical care for her husband, Lord, that his diabetes would be managed well and that the doctors would be able to quickly determine the cause of his rash. Direct his care, Lord, giving the doctors wisdom. Protect her family, Lord, from Satan’s efforts to cripple their faithwalk or disunify their home! May Loreli and her husband remember that You are their Refuge and Strength, their ever present help in trouble! (Ps 46:1) In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen!
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
After reading todays devotional and I see how God answers in steps, I wonder what happens when you ‘goof’ up and I am wondering if anyone out there can give me some advice. This is the story. Last August, God spoke very clearly to me and told me to sell my house. Our goal was to sell June 2008. I am thinking…why God would you want me to sell now. I made a million excuses as to why I should not and thought what is 10 more months. As it turned out within 4 months the local mills announced they were closing up indefinitely. Immediately, I humbled myself and asked for forgiveness for not stepping out in faith. I asked that God have a plan ‘b’. June 2008 has now come and gone and here I sit with a For Sale sign and because there is no work, no one wants to buy. I am still upset with myself for not being obedient to God in the first place. Does anyone out there have any words of encouragement for me, because I sure need some!!!
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hi Jan! I would like to encourage you that, though you may have balked at God’s prompting to sell your house last August, He has forgiven you and has not given up on you! You are not the first person to doubt God (the Israelites often resisted God’s directions, and even the disciple Thomas doubted Jesus), and you are certainly not the last, unfortunately! While we may experience some consequences of our willful choices, He is full of mercy and grace, and He uses these experiences for teaching us how to trust Him! Do not beat yourself up over your decision, Jan, as that is Satan’s ploy to discourage you and challenge your faith. God is so loving and forgiving, and when we mess up, then ‘fess up, He is faithful to pardon us and give us another opportunity to be blessed! Trust Him now, dear one, for His provision of a buyer for your home, knowing that He can take our ‘mistakes’ and use them for His Kingdom purposes! He is so good to us!! :) God bless!
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Thank you Marilyn for your encouraging words. Also thank you for reminding me that Satan likes to use our ‘weakness’ as well and tries to make us doubt our faith. You are so right, that when we confess our sins He washes us clean. You are right He does have a buyer for our home, we just don’t know who it is yet, but we will continue to have faith and WAIT. It will happen.
Through this I did learn a valuable lesson and that is WHEN God speaks to you LISTEN, TRUST, HAVE FAITH AND MOSTLY BE OBEDIENT.
Thank you Marilyn for reminding me how crafty Satan is!!!
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hi, ladies! I am back from the Canadian bush. Left from home July 2, got back this past Monday, and finally got back to this website. Oh my, how this site has changed again :- D !
I have some news to report, both good and bad, but I am being called on to share the trip pictures at this very moment. Sorry I have to run off, but will write more, soon.
Love, Dianne :-}
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:49 pm
You are most welcome, Jan! I am happy if my words encouraged you! I am certain that He will redeem your circumstances, dear one, as you place your trust in Him, Who is able!
Welcome back, Dianne! :) You have been very missed, dear sister! Hope you enjoyed your Canadian adventure! I imagine you talk like them now, eh? ;)
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Hello againMarilyn…I find your words and message well founded and I thank you for the readimg material you are always seem to have on hand. I will read all the suggested passaged and meditate on them..It always amazes me who the answers come to us so easily if you just
read the words..I know now that I can continie to go on and persavere
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:40 pm
“eh” there! Marilyn there are some real good Canadians on this site eh! and you stop teasing us or you won’t be able to cross the border on Tuesday when you try to, Because I will tell them not to let you into “Our” Beautiful Country lol !!!
Now to be serious what more is there to say Marilyn said it all, you know those Americans which probably 90% of you are so that didn’t go over to good now did it? I am Serious though I have to Agree with Everything Marilyn said as she was Right On. Loreli I will be praying for you and your family as I do everyday, Karen I will be praying for you that God will really use you at your job and you will be a Bright Light Shining For Jesus. Jan, hey, we’ve all made that mistake I am sure at some point in our life but I will be praying for you too that your house will sell and soon, Sharon I will continue to pray that The Lord will Heal you from ALL of your pain as we know He can, Melody I will be praying for you too that you will know what direction to go next in your life, Donna L you know I am praying for you, Wendy Great Word of Wisdom, Sherry Hi nice to see you again and Dianne I sure hope you had a Good Time in Canada. Love ya all and I will write your names down in my prayer list so I really do remember to pray for you each and every day from Canada eh!!! Hugs, Linda !!!
August 4th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Yes, Marilyn, I do :-D. It only took a few minutes for that to start, because I was born there, and that was the way I learned to speak English in the first place. It happens every time I go back.
Yes, I did have a good time Linda, although the black flies and mosquitos were worse this year than anyone can remember for at least the last 19 years. The weather was so unusual; it was as though it was June instead of July, and because of a very rainy spring and summer so far, water levels were about a meter (little more than 3 feet) higher than normal, so fishing was more challenging.
But we had many wonderful experiences. We saw 2 bear, 2 moose, several loons (including chicks), seagulls, pelicans, bald eagles, crows, otter, beaver, mergansers, grouse, toads, frogs, much pickerel (walleye), very little northern pike, whitefish, other ducks, chipmunks, and butterflies, and fireflies. We also heard white breasted sparrows, and a owl that hooted every night. We saw the stars twinkle a full moon over a the glass calm lake, and an amazing lightening storm. I saw faint northern lights one night (they were washed out by the light of the full moon).
We bathed in the lake every few days, and one night, we had a sauna made out of a small dome tent with a hole cut in the floor (for a pit we’d dug in the ground into which we’d put rocks that had been heated in a bonfire).
We fished, and we explored (including hiking a little used portage that had apparently become a bear trail–we double back after we found both moose and bear prints–and the bear was pretty fresh, to boot)
I took over 1000 photos, and several of them good enough to sell as prints. God’s handiwork is phenomenal; it’s hard not to get some great shots!
I did end up making something of amends to my mom. It pretty much happened on its own. I was stressed out by the pace my mom was trying to keep, and by both her and my husband criticising me frequently (literally simultanously, both talking at the same time), and I ended up telling her that how I’d acted last year toward her was “neither right nor fair” and that I needed to be able to get away on my own whenever I got stressed to a certain point because I didn’t want to repeat what I did last year. I didn’t intend to say that, or that way, but the words just came out of my mouth, and they felt like a God-thing as they came. It doesn’t feel like I had made full amends, but I think it was enough that mom understood them to be that. Later on, she even admitted her responsibility in some of the tension that went on between the three of us (which is just not like her), and she (ever in control, but better than last year) scheduled private time for each of the three of us on a rotating basis for the rest of our time there.
I had been praying for mom with the intent of being able to make amends to her in preparation for doing so during this year’s vacation. My heart wasn’t completely there before we left, and I was concerned about that, not being able to imagine how I was going to be able to make them sincerely. So, it seems that God took things in hand that particular day (turns out I was also PMS-ing), and gave me words that would at least keep mom’s and my relationship going on a better note until I can be more sincere.
I feel a need to make continuing amends to her now, and part of that is going to involve going over to her house, cleaning it, and filling vases with flowers from her wildflower garden for her to see she gets home tomorrow. (She’s still on the road in her RV, visiting relatives that she discovered doing a genealogy search this past year, etc.)
Well, I have to go now; I have to do some job searching before going to mom’s.
God bless each one of you ladies, in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
To my dear Canadian sisters who don’t know me very well, I happen to live on the border of Michigan and Canada, and have enjoyed numerous trips into Ontario! I love Canadians, have always been treated well — except when I’m threatened by aberrant bloggers! :D If I have offended any of you, please forgive me! And, please tell the bouncer to let me in tomorrow, eh? ;)
August 4th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Yes, I am stuck in an unpleasant situation. I lost my job last week due to misuse of the company credit card. Our family has a long line of this type of secrecy. I see that God is teaching me that this is not the way to live, it’s not Christlike and He’s stepping in to bring me restoration and reconciliation so these patterns will not continue into further generations of our family. In the meantime I have $7,000 to come up with in 90 days otherwise I’ll be prosecuted. The thought of going to jail kills me. I know what I did was wrong and know that I have to pay the consequences. Trying to get a loan without a job is impossible and the economy is making finding a job impossible as well. I feel so stuck without a way out. I know I was wrong but please don’t judge and dismiss me; please pray for me because I don’t see any answers right now.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Hello Amber,
Your sharing today and the lessons learned from it will most likely be a great help to someone else. There are consequences to eveything we do. I would love to tell you Amber that this will all go away but only God knows the outcome of your situation. There won’t be any judgement here because it is only God who has the right to judge. It is good that you can see God working in your life. Sometimes we need to be “hit over the head” and come to our knees because God loves us so much and wants us to live His way. I will be praying for you Amber. God can work in amazing ways…..it might not be what we think should happen but you can be sure that it will always be for our good. I would urge you Amber to get counseling in this area if you haven’t already. With God’s help, the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus on your side you will overcome this. Hang in there.
LindaR once again thanks so much for your continued prayer dear friend. You girls are hilarious!! Look Marilyn if LindaR won’t let you in Canada come and visit me in Australia.;D Loving you all from here. DonnaL
August 4th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Dear Heavenly Father I just bring Amber to You right now, Oh Lord You see what she has done and You also see her repentant heart so Jesus I just pray that You would help her to find a good paying job and You will make a way so she will be able to repay this money. Lord I just also pray that You will continue to move in her life and draw her closer and closer to You. Jesus help her to have Christian support and encouragement as she goes through this time and help her to grow in You and become a Stronger Christian through this whole situation, In Your Hold Name I Pray Amen! Amber I am going to put your name on my prayer list and pray for you each day. Please keep us updated if possible. Hugs, Linda!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I am surprised at all of the interaction with this site. This is such a blessing. I had no idea how supportive everyone is. Thank You.
As you pray that my house sells, I too will pray for all of your needs. There is power in prayer…Amen.
Amber, you are in a difficult situation, but there is no situation that is tooo difficult for God. He will guide you through all of this one step at a time. Thanks for your willingness to share, as it allows others to pray on your behalf.
Jan
August 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Dear Amber, your circumstances are very serious and heartbreaking! I am sorry for you that your family’s generational sin curse has influenced you as well, resulting in possible legal proceedings. As DonnaL shared with you, God forgives us our sin when we confess and repent, though He often allows us to feel the consequences of it, that He might teach us obedience. This is out of His love for us, for His Word tells us that, “the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Prov 3:12) You are precious to Him, Amber, and He desires to restore you. His Spirit in you will comfort and encourage you as you follow His leading! Do not fear the outcome, dear one, as God is in control, and can be fully trusted with your future!
Gracious heavenly Father, we lift up our sister, Amber, to You for cleansing and restoration! We thank You that You are loving and forgiving, and that the blood of Jesus covers our sins! We would ask that You would give Amber wisdom and direction as this time; guide her to godly Christian counsel, that would honor biblical principles in reconciling her situation. Comfort her, Holy Spirit, in her anxiety over her uncertain circumstances, reassuring her that You are there with her every step of the way, and that Your “grace is sufficient for her.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Restore her unto You, Lord, that she may enjoy the peace and joy of sweet fellowship with You again! In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen!
August 4th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Donna, thanks for the invite! Unless a ‘certain Canadian’ is patrolling the border, I should be OK! ;D
August 4th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I wish I could be patrolling the border way over there but unfortunately I live three thousand miles to the west of Marilyn. Hey Donna can I come and visit you?
Ladies this is not in my nature to do this but could I please ask for pray too. I have Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis but my pain has increased significantly in the past month or so. I have had a blood tests done and my inflammation levels are very high so high that the doctor wanted the blood tests repeated a couple of weeks later which they were and my inflammation levels were up even higher. I have a appointment with the specialist but it is not till November 14th my doctor is trying to see if they can fit me in sooner and my prayer request is that they will be able to. Thank you, Hugs Linda!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend, how we thank You for the privilege of praying for our brothers and sisters, for lifting them before You for Your comfort, healing, and guidance! You light our paths when our way is dark and unfamiliar, and You steady our feet on unlevel ground. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness to us in times of uncertainty! We ask for Your loving hand to be upon our dear sister, Linda, who endures such pain and discomfort from her chronic conditions! Please, Lord, may it be Your will to halt any increasing inflammation in her body, and stabilize her heightened immune response! Ease her pain, Lord, that she may move more comfortably and sleep peacefully, uninterrupted! As You are the great Way-maker, we ask that You make a way for Linda to see her specialist sooner than November. Guide her doctors in evaluating her, and in prescribing her treatment. Thank You for her precious spirit, Lord, that lovingly, faithfully testifies to Your grace that sustains her! She loves You so, Lord, and she encourages us all to love You more! We ask these things in Your most holy Name, Jesus, Amen!
August 4th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
this has been one of the most precious devotionals I can remember reading..all the loving, fellowship, sharing and caring is amazing..we are all just children of God, trying to do the best we can as we struggle with life’s daily trials and tribulations…but He sees fit to bring us together in a special way to enhance each others’ lives and to share the burden of this life’s problems…I just want to thank each and every one of you women who shared and those who responded so spendidly to make us feel closer to each other and to our Heavenly Father…prayer is our common denominator that will enable us to achieve greatness in the eyes of the Lord..Amen
August 4th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Linda R prayers are going up for you dear friend. Heavenly Father, we look to you the great Healer and Comforter. Help our friend Linda Lord. She is in constant pain Lord….please touch her Lord and send relief her way. I pray that she will have a restful night and that she will awaken in the morning feeling refreshed. Lord I pray along with Marilyn that you will make a way for Linda to see her specialist earlier. Lord we know that all things are possible with you and look to you in faith. In Jesus name, amen.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:25 am
loreli i am praying for you and your husband
August 5th, 2008 at 10:46 am
linda r i am praying that you will be able to get to the dr sooner and bleive He will answer that prayer.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Dearest Ladies……..in reading today, you have touched my heart so deeply and I will be praying for each one of you.
Melody, I too have been seeking God’s face over the months. I pray you will be persistent and know He will allow You to find that intimacy with Him.
For me, patience is a struggle…and it is a process. I will be praying for you.
Dear Amber…I can only imagine your pain. As others have said here, your repentant heart, He has forgiven. He promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. We will be lifting you up in prayer.
Jan….praying that your house sells quickly. We have all missed His voice or deafened our ears. Thankfully, He is a loving Father and understands our doubts and fears.
Loreli, praying for strength and fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit as you minster to others. Sometimes, we have to take time out ourselves to rest and be fed. Don’t forget to let the Lord minister to you….even through others. Praying for your dear husband…that the Lord will touch him with His healing power.
Karen, God knows your heart. May He minister to you as you make yourself available to be used for His Kingdom and as as you minister to hurting animals. What a love.
Dianne…so good to have you back…and to know you had a wonderful experience away.
Donna and Marilyn, Wendy, Loreli and Linda….how you minister to my heart and others. What a love you share with all of us….and Sharon, you also.
And…precious Linda..I am praying for you, dear friend. We have the greatest Physician of all…….and I pray He will touch your body, take the inflammation and pain, and give you sweet rest..sweet sleep.
I have been away for a short while and have missed all of you. I am so thankful for this devotional site. It is a place of love, ministering and being ministered.
Lord, I bring these hurting ones to You…asking that You minister to each one in their need. Pour down Your healing balm on each of these precious daughters…calm their hurting bodies, minister to their emotional needs as well.
What an honor that we can bring each concern to You, knowing that You answer, even before we call upon You. Knowing that You know everything about us, before we were ever born.
How we love You, worship You and praise You for Who You Are!
Psalm 139
August 7th, 2008 at 10:17 am
This is the devo that met me when I got back to this site. It fit my situation because I had one very upsetting situation come up 3 days after I got back from vacation. I didn’t know what I should do next about it, and I started writing to you all about it, and then I thought that I really ought to check my facts before I finished and submitted what I was drafting.
Well, I did just that, and I found some encouragement.
I was born in Canada to US citizen parents, which made me a dual national at birth. This year, after encouragement from some Canadian friends, I got the courage up to apply for my SIN number. While on vacation, I found out that I needed my marriage certificate as well as my birth certificate and application, so I went back to Canada 3 days after coming back here, ready to turn everything in.
After a 7 hour drive, and having trouble finding the Service Canada office (due to major road construction), my application was not even processed. I was told that I had to have a third document to prove my Canadian citizenship, and that I would have to fill out some other forms and pay $75.00, plus wait about 9 months to find out if I still had my citizenship, and if I did, I could come back with a citizenship card, along with my other documentation and application, and THEN I would get it. What I was told was that because I was taken out of Canada during a certain time frame, I may have lost my Canadian citizenship, and the only way I could find out for certain was to take these extra steps. The person I met with made it sound pretty certain that I had so I was really upset about it for the rest of that day, and part of the next.
One thing piqued my interest, though. When I went to a Burger King near the office afterward, and vented to the cashiers there, one who was dressed in Middle Eastern clothing told me that the government had been dealing with the dual citizenship issue these days, except that “they keep putting back the date.”
So, when I poked around the immigration and citizenship website, I saw that this coming spring, even if I don’t fill out the application for the card, and all I do is wait, and even if I did have my citizenship taken away from me, I will probably get it back automatically.
It turns out that there is new legislation that is due to take effect in this way. AND the website even addresses the matters of minors who lost their citizenship (which may have been me) and people who lost their citizenships between a certain 30 year time span (which may have been me).
What I haven’t told you, yet, is that I on my way to the office, and while at the office, I prayed that the SIN matter be put in God’s hands, and while I sat at the office waiting for the lady I met with to come back from speaking with her supervisor, I also prayed for God’s will in the matter to take place. Twice, while waiting, I got a feeling in my heart that there was conflict going on in the supervisor’s office, and I prayed that prayer. When she came back, she came back with the bad news.
After I left and after I got home, I asked God why He would do such a thing to me. I also got a feeling that if I obediently just filled out the paperwork (”step by step”), His will would prevail. I also e-mailed a friend of mine in Canada about the whole situation, and she also told me to trust God, and not give up, just do more research, and she was sure I would find my answers.
This was before I started writing to all of you, and then decided to research the facts. I didn’t think that they would be so easy to find, but they were, and after that I just deleted what I was going to send to you, and I sat with it all, and I am sitting now.
I think that I am just going to monitor the situation (for date changes, etc.) until next spring when, if my citizenship was taken from me, it should be returned. I might read the packet given to me just to see what it says, but, if the law changes as it is scheduled to, what I read now will, and any action it directions to take will be moot anyway. But, in case there are information points in the packet that I still need to know about, it only makes sense to read it anyway.
So this is how I am taking one step at a time in this situation. I will be honest and say that if the loss of my Canadian citizenship is God’s will for me, I will not be happy about it. However, I am also willing to begin to accept that God knows more than I do about what is good for me, and if I ultimately still end up without my Canadian citizenship, then He is might be trying to protect me from something even worse than not having it, and about which I have no idea now.
So there you have it ladies, God Bless :-} .
August 7th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Diane, may God direct your steps and thoughts, may you experience His peace that passes all understanding. Though it may be frustrating and difficult for you, may God work his good in this situation. May you rest in the shadow of our Almighty. He has gone before you.
Blessings.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hi Dianne,
I can sense your frustration with the process of applying for your Canadian citizenship. You didn’t mention however why it was so important to you. As we know since God is sovereign over everything in our lives you can be sure that whatever the outcome, as Wendy said, it will be for good. I can’t help thinking about what Paul said to the Philippians “But our citizenship is in heaven” Philippians 3:20 and in Ephesians 2:19 where he tells the church in Ephesis “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household….
I moved to Australia 14 years ago knowing that I would never live in America again. It really troubled me in the beginning. But God in His grace reminded me that I am a foreigner and alien on this earth and what really matters is my citizenship in heaven. I don’t know if this is helpful to you but know that you will be in my prayers….knowing that God loves you and will be working for your good. Loving you from here. Donna
August 7th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
great devotional today
August 9th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I would just like to thank all you ladies for your overwhelming show of support in your prayers for me at this time, I truly do appreciate them. God Bless! Hugs, Linda !!!
August 11th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
God bless you LindaR., I just said a prayer for you, too.
Thank you for your post, DonnaL. :-} . The reason my Canadian citizenship is so important to me is that I was born Canadian (I had Canadian citizenship from the moment I was born), and the possibility of having had it stripped away from me without my knowledge or consent is like having had a part of my body ripped out.
Being Canadian (along with American) is part of my identity.
I had no choice, as a child (at age 7), about moving to the US. My parents moved us to the US, and I really resented that. I was truly a little Canadian patriot (I got in trouble on and off all through my public school days [those in the US] for refusing to say the Pledge to the flag), and I swore that someday I would move back to Canada, or at least get a cabin on a lake near where I was born someday, because I was not going to give that up!
Canada is, in my heart, my homeland. I have friends and some family (all but one through marriage) here in the US, but MY birthplace is Canada and I feel good about being Canadian. It is the rare person, I think, who does not have a special place in his/her heart/a connection to the place where they were born, and I am no different than anyone else.
I also value my US citizenship, but I am not passionate about it the way I am about my Canadian citizenship. It is deeply distressing to me to think that my Canadian citizenship is, or has been in question.
My understanding of the forms/packet I was given was not to apply for Canadian citizenship, but to find out whether I still have it or not, and if I do, to get a card proving that I do. The possibility that I don’t is pretty strong, but, if I don’t have it now, the possibility of automatically having it granted back is also pretty strong, and I am grateful for that!
It is interesting, DonnaL., though, that yesterday I went to a Bible study (not a regular one for me) that covered Phillipians 3:17-the last verse. I wondered whether God was trying to tell me something, or whether that was just a coincidence. The lesson emphasis wasn’t on the citizenship part, it was about the transformation part, but I noted the possibility of a message for me in it. I have put that under my hat and am sitting with it to see what more might be revealed.
It IS true that my ultimate citizenship IS in heaven, and therefore the earthly citizenships aren’t as important in the big picture/long run, but I am also not ready to give up my life-long passion for the land of my birth, either.
Thank you, though, DonnaL., your input may well be a part of what God wants me to hear, regardless of whether I have both my earthly citizenships or not.
Love, Dianne
August 11th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hi Dianne! I would just like to encourage you that it is no coincidence that your Bible study highlighted for you the verses from Philippians that God wanted to tuck in your heart! DonnaL is so right when she reminds us of our heavenly citizenship, that once adopted into God’s family, we have a new home, and our new family is scattered throughout the world, each one of us called to serve Him and the body of Christ as He has gifted us, until the day of Christ’s return! This new identity keeps our focus heavenbound.
August 19th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Hello Ladies, thank you so much for all of your prayers. I just wanted to give you an update. I ask that you please keep praying because circumstances are not getting better and things keep coming one after another. I have not found another job yet or a way to pay my debt back. My hope is fading quickly. Please keep praying. Thank you ladies.
August 19th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I will continue to pray for you Amber. Sometimes our problems can seem really really ‘black’ and sometimes it feels like nothing ‘good’ is going to happen. But God IS with you. He DOES have a plan and IT WILL unfold when it is suppose to. Sometimes we just have to fall on our knees and cry our little hearts out to Him. He is LISTENING. I still have not sold my house but I KNOW He has a buyer, it is just not TIME yet. It will all work out for you. I will continue to pray for your situation.
August 20th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I join you, Jan, in praying for Amber and her circumstances! May the Lord continue to work things out “for good,” according to His perfect will and abundant grace!
Heavenly Father, We ask for Your mercy and grace to cover Amber’s circumstances, trusting You to be with her in all developments! May she know that she is forgiven, and receive Your answer to her prayers with thanksgiving. For, we know that You are faithful, and You only give good gifts. Help Amber to expect eventual blessing to come from her difficult trial, as she faces Your loving discipline. Grant her new hope, Lord, that she can “do all things through Christ Who strenthens me.” (Phil 4:13) In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen!
August 20th, 2008 at 10:18 am
amber i am praying right now that you will find a new job and your troubles will be lifted
sharon
August 20th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
As am I.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Amber, I read a scripture in Jeremiah 32v27 today….
“I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?
My bible commentary reads for verses 27-39: “God wanted his people to accept responsibility for their sins, bad choices and failures; their suffering in exile would force them to do this. But their story does not end with destruction and exile. God promised that he would deliver his people from captivity, restore them to their homeland and reconcile his relationship with them. These promises must have sounded impossible to people facing warfare, famine and disease. God began with a question to answer his people’s doubt: “Is anything too difficult for me?” As we face problems things that are out of our control, there is still hope. Nothing is too hard for God!”
Amber, nothing is too hard for God. You are in his hands, he knows. Lean on him and he will direct your paths. God is faithful to help you through this situation. Fear not.
Much love in Christ
Wendy
August 21st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Wendy, your loving words of encouragement are sure to be a blessing to Amber, as well as to anyone here who is suffering similarly. God bless you for your tender compassion!