JOURNEY 201¦1 'Keep it Moving’

So, last Tuesday was an earthquake. And while the epicenter was not here in Virginia Beach, it was a 5.8 and felt by many in this area … except me. I didn’t feel one thing – very strange. The people in my office felt the quake, my sisters felt it at their homes. I didn’t feel anything.

Then came hurricane Irene this past weekend. Tons of rain, the wind did howl a bit and the lights flickered twice. But, there was no damage to my sister’s home (where I am currently residing) and we did not lose power. So, I’m feeling good, thinking we might actually get to a place where we turn a corner on all the challenges that I have experienced.

Then yesterday happened…. On my way home from work, lots of cars and traffic came to a stop. And I came to a stop, driving my son’s truck since my van is in need of very costly repairs. The truck in back of me, a monster-sized Ford Expedition, did not stop! It plowed right into the back of my son’s truck. That was my first thought … my son’s truck! What is going to happen to his truck? It is a 1997 with over 360,000 miles on it. Immediately my thoughts went to what would happen if they total his vehicle. And I had plenty of time to think about that possibility while we waited for the police.

I felt for the other driver. He is the same age as my oldest son … kind of reminded me of him. He hasn’t had his license a year and was driving his pastor’s truck when he hit me. Then he could not find the registration or insurance information. Well, the police finally showed up, we exchanged information and went on our way. Then I got home, my back was starting to hurt … and it all hit me.

It was just one more thing to contend with on top of everything else that has happened. There is a phrase, ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’. Well, that accident was the straw. I was completely overwhelmed, exhausted and out done. And I wanted to just curl up and cry. OK, I DID CURL UP AND CRY … AND CRY …. AND CRY SOME MORE!

I just wanted to quit.

But then, I had a ‘come to Jesus conversation’ with myself and made a decision to praise through the pain. I listened to some worship music,tried to sing [even though it was difficult], watched a sermon, prayed some, cried some more and remembered …. There is no quitting in the journey!

It isn’t over until He says it’s over!

I know this is not the most encouraging post today – believe me, I know. But it is real! We must keep pressing forward no matter what. And while, I do not know specifically what you are facing today, or what you will face tomorrow … I know God is still God and He is worthy of praise and trust.

‘As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.’ II Thes. 3:13 NLT

‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.’ Gal. 6:9 NLT 

‘They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ Is. 40:31 KJV

Keep it Moving!
And Have a Blessed Week

JOURNEY 201¦1 ‘earth angels’

‘… and behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.’  Matthew 4:11

This verse tells of what happened as Jesus’ trial in the wilderness came to an end. How wonderful that the Father would send angelic hosts to tend to His needs, at the precise moment that He needed it. Just as wondrous is the fact that God still does this today. But, they are often not in the form of celestial beings. They can best be described as ‘earth angels’ on assignment.

Understand that there are people who the LORD has strategically placed in our path - to assist, to offer a genuine smile, to share a kind word, to encourage. Yet we must have eyes open to see and hearts to receive.

In the past week, I have met two such people. They are absolute precious gems and I know that it is no mistake, no simple act of coincidence that I have had the opportunity to get to know both of them. The name of one means ‘rich guard or wealth protector’ and the other, their name means ‘fair and good’. 

Long ago, names had a very significant meaning and would tell you about the character of the individual. Yet I find, with some, that the same holds true for today. You see, ‘wealth protector’ is full of godly wisdom and ‘fair and good’, well she is simply and genuinely a very kind person. They are people who speak of God’s goodness and who spoke to some very unique issues that I have been grappling with, alone in prayer with God.

I know they were on assignment from the LORD. And, I could feel faith rise during conversations with each of them. My spirit has truly been encouraged and I just find myself thanking God for His faithfulness all over again. He knows exactly what we need in this journey and when we need it, and He has already made provision.

Behold, angels came and ministered unto me, earth angels. And your unique angels stand ready to minister unto you. Just pray that God will open your eyes to recognize them and your heart to receive the ministering aid that they offer.

Have a Very Blessed Week!