Our Words are Heard

“I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. 

A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling 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 your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (Dan. 10:7-12 NIV).

Read Daniel 10:1-14. I love this passage, especially verse 12. Daniel had fasted and prayer for three weeks and we pick up when the angel arrives. Hmm. When the angel arrives. When we seek to gain understanding and humble ourselves - our words are heard. Our words are heard. The angel then explains why it took so long- he had to battle. When we humbly seek understanding from God, when we seek answers, we can wait-our words  are heard. True, the answer sometimes does not come when we want, but the answer is always on time- because of God’s time. 

We turn to God. We cry out to God. He doesn’t miss hearing our tears. Rest assured. Our words are heard - in spite of the virus. Our words are heard - in spite of unrest. Our words are heard - in spite of fear. Our words are heard- in spite of confusion. God hears. enough for now.

Hold On

Mark 1:12&13.

“At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”

This testing of Jesus was right after he was baptized. He was sent by Holy Spirit into the wilderness, and was tempted by Satan. Go back and read Luke 4 for a better picture.

Jesus was tempted, tried, and remained true to who he was. When it was done- angels ministered to him. Many times we feel overwhelmed by what we feel is a testing, a tempting, oh but be clear - if God allows it, we will make it. If he didn’t allow it, we can stand against it. The best way is to listen, and follow Holy Spirit’s guide, and that is always our way out. 

We don’t need to know the why of it, but we need to know God in it. It doesn’t matter what is thrown -stay focused, be clear, and watch what God does. He’ll do it even in our own crazy mess when we turn to him. Don’t let guilt, or fear keep you from  focusing on what God is doing. 

I can’t imagined being with the wild animals, with no food prepared, and Satan in my ear. Oh- that’s where we are today. We are placed with crazy all around us, needing the food of life, and Satan tempting at every hand. And yet, we make it. Now that’s not the proper exegesis of this passage- but I just got that. Hold on, stand, and watch what God is doing. enough for now.

Seek Good

In Amos 5 there is a call to repentance. The reoccurring thought: 4b “Seek me and live.” 6a “Seek the Lord and live.” 14a “Seek good,  not evil.” 15a “Hate evil, love good.” This call stands today. As believers, we are to seek him, seek good, hate evil. I think sometimes we get confused on what is what and on if “it’s okay that we slide on it.” We don’t serve a God who slides. He is clear, we must be clear. Let’s just focus on the positivity of his truth, and resist the negativity of evil. If we did just that, then we would witness great change. enough for now.

To Mothers

To all mothers: Mothers who delivered, who did not deliver, who saved, who kept, who watched for, who prayed with, who prayed over, who held sacred secrets, who cried with and cried for. To mothers who loved, and were loved. Who loved but were not loved back. To those who have almost lost hope, almost given up- hang on. 

 

Blessings of joy and relief to you all today. If no one else wishes you joy - I do. Happy Mother’s day to all even if you can’t get out, can’t see your family. God’s love is bigger than this virus. Blessing of God’s peace and rest today. enough for now.

Trust

Trust, watch. That’s it. It’s already done. Enough for now.