I started to email this little "lecture/sermon/ encouraging word" to my ministry group. It just seems that we are all in different places of struggle/ turmoil in our lives -- except for Judy. She won't stay home from Hawaii or the Bahamas or something long enough for me to know how she's doing -- Judy, I hope you're okay! Miss you! Some of the struggle has been bestowed upon us by this world, some of it is a life adventure of our own choosing, but we are all trying to adjust and keep up.
Then I started listening to the women around me. We're all there. Family issues, health issues, life issues, ministry issues, work issues. Some of us have all of those. We're strung out and weary. And, just between you and me, some of you are very, very grouchy. I'm sure it isn't YOU. But maybe you. Definitely me.
Here's what I want all of us to remember -- the Lord will use us in mighty ways if we but lay our lives at His feet daily. That's it. Oh, and He knows. He knows where you are. He knows what's up in your life. And He's CRAZY about you.
He promises: I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
In Psalms, David reminds us: God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. (Psalm 45:7)
I've already been praying for you. Yes, even you, because as I listen to the precious souls around me, this world is weighing on us all. Praying that you will rest in Him and find renewed strength in Him. Praying that you may, as my precious friend Beverly reminded me, "prepare in the light for when the darkness comes". And if you are already thrown into the darkness, find His light to lead you out.
He gives strength to the 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. (Isaiah 40:29-31)
