Awesome Hope!

"And they came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here until I have prayed.’ And He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, ‘My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.’


“And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, ‘Abba! Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet now what I will, but what Thou wilt.’” Mark 14:32-36

“In one sense, God tied His own hands in the wager over Job; in the most literal sense, He let His hands be tied the night of the Crucifixion.”*

Do not take offense, but as I thought about the passage of Mark, another passage from Mark sprang to mind:

“And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can! All things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, I do believe, help my unbelief.’” Mark 9:23-24

No one can speculate how Jesus must have felt that night, but what faith and courage and strength and resolve it took to be obedient...obedient to the point of a death He well knew was in His future...yet THAT is how much He loves you! And that is what the word Awesome was invented for!

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: Tim, my brother, was rushed back into the hospital yesterday and is better today. For Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches. For those devastated by the amazing power of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, where issue of a nuclear disaster continues; and especially for the thousands of volunteers tirelessly battling unbelievable scenes to help others restore their lives. For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time. What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: For those dealing with aftermath of the earthquake in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve. For Elaine. For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup. Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better. They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving. Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book! Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey