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Listen while you read: "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
In response to a developer's proposal to build a sixteen-story condominium on all three sides of my nearly 200-year-old house, I'd made a seven-foot yard sign. His professionally printed sign was three times the size of mine with many references to legalities. As a result, I'd been the focus of a local television interview on the news that evening. It concluded with a shot of me as a helpless old lady with the words, "ALL SHE CAN DO NOW IS WORRY!"
Well, I hadn't said any such thing, nor was I worried now. Someone said, "There is often a seed of fear in every act of faith. When fear knocked on my door, faith answered. No one was there."
I had just finished reading the book of Job, understanding it for the first time. Suddenly, his journey of faith had become real to me. God wasn't punishing him or testing him. God was simply with him through a hard time, as Job followed along, open to whatever came next. So, my sign just answered the "Worry" label with a description of a daily spiritual journey with the Lord of the dance, hand in hand.
Then, I prayed. Just as I was saying "Amen", there was a knock on my door.
That was quick! I thought.
"I've been sent to help you." A smiling woman from a studio down the street stood there.
Sent? For just a moment, I wondered if she had wings.
Then, I told her why her words were so familiar. I told her about all the times in the Bible when God sent an angel to announce something important that the receiver needed to hear.
She said that she understood. Then, we put up my sign, which I could never have done alone, since the wind was making it into a sail.
Her appearance turned everything into a blessing, just in case I had succumbed to worry.
I love how The Message puts the prayer Psalm 89 into everyday language, just in time for me.
Psalm 89:8 – God of the Angel Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle? (MSG)
This reminds us that God has uncountable angels to do His work, but sometimes He chooses you and me to receive the privilege of helping.
Psalm 89:11,13 – You own the cosmos. You made everything in it … nobody messes with you. (MSG),
That neighbour's support strengthened my faith that God was in this.
Are we listening when God promises to help, or when He sends someone to us with a message? Are we willing to be sent?
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we are grateful for the hard times that You allow us to experience as we walk through this world, knowing that all is well when we allow You to be in charge. Thank You for the example of Job and for all those of faith, both in Scripture and in our lives, who care for us and support us on the way. We are grateful that worry can never be the response of the believer. Amen.
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Thursday, April 18, 2024 – In East Asia — Pray for more partners who become trainers in our house church planting network in East Asia. We are asking God for around ten of these trainers for each district in our region. May the Lord grant them courage in their next step of faith.
stressful travel ahead: "April 17, 2024: Please pray that our upcoming travel will be okay. A few problems have arisen with..." 
Thank you.
What happened?
Thanks for the good reminder, Rose.
Love this! Thanks for blessing me today.
Thank you, Rose, for your testimony of faith.
Amen, a perfect hymn with a meaningful message. Thank you!
Another sure-faithed exposition of the Providence of Calvin’s Great Architect of the Universe.
Thank you for sharing your testimony to God’s faithfulness. How did this event the out? Praying for you. Blessings.
Good morning, Rose.
Thank you for your good words this morning.
Blessings.
So sorry to hear about your big challenge but so inspired by your faithfulness, Rose!
Sending lots of prayers your way, God bless!
Good morning, Rose,
You are an angel that has been sent by God for many of us to gain a better understanding of our faith journey, His Word, the importance of being grateful and “not to worry”. Thank you.
What a timely piece for our worrisome world, Rose! I loved your quote about worry pointlessly knocking at the door. I also found the Bible verses rephrased in today’s language to be striking. I think that Worry and Fear are first cousins, and they both steal our peace and joy. God forbid!
Good morning, Rose.
I look forward to your next message every time I read the current one BUT today, you didn’t finish your story!
How did your sign work? Did the developer build? Is this the next devotional story?
May God bless you as you write and share the Good News.
Good afternoon, dear Rose.
I am so sorry to hear of your challenge with the developer. God is indeed the answer.
After I read your Devotional, I read news clip from April online. Have any decisions been taken yet?
Blessings.
Dear Rose,
Thank you for sharing your story of your challenge from the developer and the help of a TV studio neighbor.
As you said, there is no fear – the Lord is with us.
I am 85 and have tested positive for Covid. The Lord has provided abundant support and I am recovering.
(B.C.)
Hi Rose,
So you are not worried any longer about the high-rise? I am glad because as we all know, worrying will not change a thing.
The book of Job is quite daunting in many respects. It is so very hard to even comprehend the suffering and the reason why it was necessary. Why the trial? Even if all was restored to Job, it would not bring back his dead children.
Always a pleasure to read your devotionals.
Dear Rose,
Again your devotional is “like apples of gold in pitchers of silver”!
I grew up in a wonderful Christian family, for which I am forever grateful. However my mother had been raised with a terrible load of responsibility on shoulders too young to bear them. As a result, despite her wonderful faith, she struggled with anxiety… and that was contagious!
Even though years of assurance and God’s guidance lie behind me, I occasionally still experience “3 AM awakenings” when anxiety closes in!
Your words are to be read at such moments! And the old hymn, not often sung these days, is familiar from my childhood. and I shall sing it at such times.
Thank you for your insights and for your sharing.
Rose, your story and testimony which demonstrate your faith and trust in our Lord are inspiring. Thank you for sharing!