Distress

“but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed,” II Corinthians 6:3

“The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they [the sailors] began to jettison the cargo and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. And since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.” Acts 27:18-20

The word “distressed” is used for ships, meaning in great peril or danger and indicates over time. The ship Paul was in had a limit of what it could take before it could take no more. The soldiers, sailors and passengers could do no more than hold on during the terrible storm they had foolishly sailed into, against the advice of a man of God. I remember working with Larry Burkett as he began his ministry and how he warned of the “coming economic earthquake” (that he finally wrote a book about). Like many prophets before him, few listened...but some did.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Request: Marilu –pregnant in hospital, must lay still, on her side for months to save her unborn. Ongoing prayer requests: God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb and Gary to find new, satisfying jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. New work projects for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (healing well) and girlfriend (who’s stayed with him throughout entire ordeal).