Luke 12:28-31 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
When I committed to a forty day Lenten fast, I had no clue what God would be walking me through. Without exaggeration, this has been a most difficult and trying month; perhaps God knew the strength and fortitude that I would require to survive. Fasting, voluntarily depriving yourself of certain foods and beverages, with the desire for a closer more intimate relationship and wisdom filled experience with our heavenly Father. Mission nearly accomplished!
I thank God for the insight that lead me to this fast. Can`t image going through the past month without His divine guidance. I thank God for the obedience and insight that lead me and three other women to the bedside of a dying young man, Joseph Feeley. Perhaps, our prayers help lead him and his mother to the gates of heaven, a visit with Jesus. What a sacred time and place. Thank you, God! Daniel 10:12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."
Next a mountain top experience at the Healing Ministry in Kent Island, as Miss Jackie imparted healing to me. My knees weakened, my body surrendering to the Holy Spirit, collapsing to the floor. Consumed by the Spirit, the joyful intoxication of his presence. Peacefully inhaling, receiving and lingering in the delight of the moment. As I slowly ascended, returning to my pew, it was as if my feet where elevated a foot above the floor. I felt different, my hands felt different! Am I different, time will tell! Acts 2:17-18 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men, will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy.
While maintaining my fast, only two days later to the valley; the beginning of my final earthly journey with "Sweet Little Rose." Farewells, grieving, highs and lows comforted only by God. Recognizing his voice and trusting. What sorrowful blessings, constantly reminding myself of Rose`s ailing body, renewed restored for life eternal, in the presence of Jesus! John 14:1-4 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father`s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Days later while making homemade meatballs, to share with friends and family after Rose`s funeral, yet another precious moment. Joy, overwhelming joy. Even though my niece Mandy was baptized as a infant, like myself she drifted far from God`s grace. Believing that she was alone on her own to battle through life`s journey. As I lead her in the prayer of salvation, she surrendered her will to the will of God. Receiving Jesus as savior, flooded with the LORDs grace and mercy. Praise the LORD! Oops, almost forgot, I turned 61 in the midst of this; thank you God, for this year of growth and love!
For the first time, Mandy attended church with me; beaming from ear to ear expression her comfort and joy to be there. Welcomed, prayed for in unison by her new church family, tears of acceptance, grace and love. "Aunt Linda, Rose gave us the most amazing gift of all, Jesus!" Thank you, Rose.
John 17:15-17 "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Broke my fast, felt entitled at Rose`s funeral reception, to indulged in the sweets that adorned the dessert table! Forgive my weakness, Father God. Was it this moment of weakness that encouraged further disobedience or the overwhelming pressure of impending events?
Just eight days after Rose`s funeral, while traveling to Kent Island for their monthly Healing and Prayer Service, I received a call from Mandy that her mom was in the hospital. Joyce had pneumonia, suddenly it had caused her blood pressure to drop, she would soon be moved into intensive care unit. I shared this news with the lady with me, immediately we prayed. Yet another phone call from my niece Tammy in Kentucky, "Aunt Linda, we`re taking Kim to the hospital, she tried to commit suicide." Really Father God!
No doubt, God knew where I needed to be; surrounded with love and compassion in the arms of Jesus. After receiving communion and anointing, Pastor Kyung-hee Sa held me tight, as I cried to the Lord on behalf of my sister Joyce and niece Kim. My heart was breaking, throbbing with pain, while renouncing the bondage that strangles my family. Please Father God, strengthen us in your love. Pastor Kyung-hee Sa`s prayers and loving embrace comforted my soul. Matthew 18:19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
What a month. Joyce is out of the hospital, strengthen by the hand of God, determined to quit smoking and drinking! Thank you, Jesus, perhaps our relationship will be healed along the way, by your grace and presence. After years of battling addiction, Kim faces a lengthy visit to another rehab program. Praying she gets it this time! Thank you God, for "do overs." In my weakness of the moment, I could hardly pray for Kim, I am so sick of the destruction and pain that her addiction is causing our family! I love Kim, but hate the sin of addiction that holds her hostage. Yet, I understand.....please strengthen my family LORD!
This week, God forgave my weakness and allowed me a "do over" start for my fast! Thank you, Father God. I love so much....thank you for the afternoon that I crawled up in your lap and you gently rocked away my pain and sorrow! AMEN!
John 4:23 "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshiper will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."
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