Get Real!

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result that you be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.” James 12-4

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” II Corinthians 12:9

“’Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory,’ – ‘I tell you, Philip, it does not help to talk of the good that results from pain.’ – Theological concepts don’t amount to very much unless they can speak to someone [who is deeply hurting], who gropes for God’s love in a world bordered by grief. I recalled a floundering minister in a John Updike novel who said, ‘Something’s gone wrong. I have no faith. Or rather, I have faith, but it doesn’t seem to apply.’ How does it apply? What do we have a right to expect from God?”*

“Martha therefore said to Jesus, ‘Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died. – Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her, also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit, and was troubled, and said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept.” John 11:20, 32-35

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the choice to sin was NEVER in God’s plan. Sin brought with it pain, suffering and sorrow. But God never leaves us; and although He may or may not intervene, He still weeps with us. Most of all, He found a perfect way to restore the relationship so we can have intimacy with Him as He walks beside us or carries us through every high and low in our lives. Now THAT is the real miracle!

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Barb, having a biopsy on Tuesday next week, that it be nothing and that she finds God's perfect job for her. Many who face the holidays with sadness or loneliness in their hearts, that they may find something to do for others to fill that emptiness with love and hope.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for those in & around Christchurch NZ who continue to deal with the aftermath of the terrible earthquake, including families of the lost miners;.Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions and for Ulfur with major life changes. For strength and wisdom for me.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Tim, who continues to support Barb as she searches for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me), that they have an understanding of God's plan in all this. Paul N – still sorting through things. Carla and Galdor both resigned and now need the right jobs, not just jobs.

ONGOING BEREVEMENT: Please remember to pray for the hearts of those left behind after the loss of loved ones recently – holidays always hurt a great deal. This includes: Sean, Cris, Jay, Greg, Di, Milly and David, Linda and Lavie. (details in earlier postings).

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For my friend and her relationship – reconciliation. For all those who have had wonderful suggestions for people job searching. Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. David (great health now!). Nancy, continues to progress well. The other Nancy is doing well against her cancer. Reg for his wonderful ministry.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Torgo, recovering from work injury. Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey