Easter Sunday, Christ is risen, He has risen indeed, Resurrection Sunday; each year, actually each moment, we have the choice of how we will respond to the Good News! We stand at a crossroad everyday. Do we go our own way, fulfilling our plan and idea of success, or do we follow "JESUS" who holds the secret of the universe in His hands?
Daniel 12:13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."
Sunday morning, what a beautiful day, church was packed! I pray, that the new faces that filled the pews, received exactly what God had planned for them! Perhaps in time they will return on a regular basis. Before closing the service, Pastor Amy invited the congregration forward to receive a special blessing and annointing. When asked what she could pray for, I requested to be filled to overflowing and for God to direct my steps. Thank you, God!
My day was filled with love and joy, as we shared time and Easter dinner with children and grand-babes. Later in the evening, I felt God summons me; as I have mentioned many times, God has taught me to respond to His call to action. I felt the over whelming need to pray, I just didn`t know what I was to pray about!
At 10:00 pm, my BFF Ginger called. She was on her way home after spending the weekend with her mother, who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Choosing to receive treatments, Mary her 83 year old mother is now facing the final months of her earthly life. Yes, Father I will pray for my best friend, her family, and mother.
Early Monday morning, I called Mariann, Ginger`s sister, offering to assist in any way possible with the 24 hour care that the family is facing. Mariann was a God-send when Rick and I cared for my mom. For decades Mariann and her mother owned and operated, an in home, nursing facility. Giving their heart and souls to the needs of the elderly.
As I prayed with Mariann, tears gushed from both of us, it was so difficult to get just the right prayer request to God. God heard our pray and provided me with the strength to continue on Mariann`s behalf. I thanked God for the love and friendship that our families have shared for over 50 years. Two country families sharing, living and loving one another through life`s journey. Thank you, God.
As I was still processing the moment, the phone rang, it was my niece Mandy. She was calling to tell me about Smoke`s granddaughter. Once again, this news and our family connection was deep. Smoke and his wife, Agnes, where neighbors for years, we had watched and shared in the lives of their family and grandchildren. Marshell, Smoke`s 39 years old first-born granddaugther, was murdered at knife point by her husband, of less than one year.
I sobbed in disbelief, how could a husband do this to his wife? Yes Lord, I will pray!
Later that evening, with God-given courage and strength, Rick and I when to visit Marshell`s mother and family. The yard was packed with cars, people gathered everywhere. Words were not necessary, open arms sharing soul to soul hugs quenched our needs, offering God`s love to one another. Faces of pain and distress welcomed and gratefully received our heartfelt condolences.
As friends and family continued to arrived, I silently prayed, I felt the arms and love of Jesus encompass the entire house. Angel`s wings fluttered above interlacing and protecting this family with God`s love, mercy and grace. Yes, Father I will continue to pray!
With the reality of this day coming to a close, I was drained to core. Had God used my time of pain and sorrows for His glory, to empower and equip me for this very day? Calling me to comfort, to pray with and for loved-ones in need. YES FATHER ,THROUGH MY TEARS I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY!
John 14:15-21 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever---The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.
But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love and show myself to him."
Father God, thank you for calling me to pray and preparing me for my purpose, for your glory. Thanks to all of the wonderful people who responded to Your call to visit with my family over forty years ago, when my brother, Robin was killed. Amen
Please visit, Let us Go Home Day 209 and search "Ginger" for previous post.
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