“Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother shall rise again.’ Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:17, 20-26
“For those who suffer, and those who stand beside them, Job offers up an important lesson. The doubts and complaints are valid responses, not symptoms of weak faith – so valid in fact, that God made SURE the Bible included them all. One does not expect to find the arguments of God’s adversaries –bound into the Bible, but nearly all of them make an appearance, if not in Job, then in Psalms or Prophets.
“The Bible seems to anticipate our disappointments, as if God grants us in advance the weapons to use against Him, as if God Himself understands the cost of sustaining faith.”*
I remember the day my Mother died and the lady in the hospital told me in that little sterile room, when they wouldn’t let me enter her room on my regular daily visit. I could barely hear her words, after she said my Mom was gone. I sometimes imagine Martha and Mary and their conversation that day with Jesus...their hearts crushed and throbbing with grief and confusion, trying to have a sensible chat about faith, when all they wanted was their loved one. Yet, Jesus DID understand!
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: For Susan in Bulgaria who struggles to provide for her husband and two children. For Kimberly, is on her way home. Please pray for her safe arrival and patience for all.
ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS: For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had his surgery & is now recovering at home.
Do not forget those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers, in Japan, USA and New Zealand). 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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time.
OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: For Paul N as he regroups. 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.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia. Galdor is still searching. Need a new project to tackle for my work. Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: My brother & his wife Barb are doing better. They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving. Reg for his ministry and patience. Have a new Internet provider.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches. 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
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