Doing & Waiting & Knowing

"Our DUTY is found in the REVEALED will of God in the Scriptures.  Our TRUST must be in the SOVEREIGN will of God, as He works in the ordinary circumstances of our daily lives for our good and His glory."*

John Milton (a classic poet) once wrote a line that has stayed with me forever:  "They also serve, who only stand and wait."  Of course God also wrote these words when He told us in Isaiah 40:28-31:

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator the ends of the Earth does not become weary or tired.  His understanding is inscrutable.  He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. 

"Though youths grow weary and tired, and the vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who WAIT for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."

"Doing and waiting" is the active part of what the Lord challenges us to do by His revealed will in the Scriptures...The "knowing" covers our stress with a depth of trust that depends on how familiar we are with God's Word.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Isaias has written:  "I would like to solicit your prayers in behalf of my Dad, 84 years old, who is ailing and suffering from pain.  He stays at home waiting for God's intervention. Please pray with us that God will take him home without suffering terribly. Our only sister Tita is the one nursing him with some assistance from my brothers."

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  from Patti:  "13 yr. old, Heath Harris, in hospital with bacterial meningitis streptococcus intermedius (extremely serious).  Not correctly diagnosed until June 22.  Has had symptoms since June 8! Five different times the Dr. diagnosed him with just a virus, but finally when he couldn't walk, a different ER Dr. did tests and a spinal tap and found it was bacterial meningitis and sent him to Akron.

"They found 12 lesions on his brain, a lump on his spine. At some point, he was sent home on IV antibiotics.  He has undergone one surgery on his spine, and recently through a chest X-ray, they discovered a walnut-sized lump behind his heart, so his will have another surgery tomorrow, July 4th at 9 AM! 

"Heath trusts Jesus, as well. His grandma knows it is in the Lord's hands, and prayed for a miracle, but doesn't think that may be God's Will. I think it can still happen! Please pray for all involved. Thanks so much!!"

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  Rachel writes:  "When it rains it pours, Scott our son, (who has been on the prayer list a good while), just lost his job today.  Please ask everyone to pray for a good job for him.  He is recently divorced and dealing with that and has 2 small children.  Thanks, I am in shock.  God Listens, I know that so please ask people to pray for a GOOD JOB that will work for him."

My brother has asked us to remember:  Dale, a life-long friend, suspected of having esophageal cancer - had tests in hospital on last Monday.  No results yet.  And Sue, the wife of another of his friend's (Bucky) has had cancer surgery and they are hoping the results will be positive.

Carla has asked us to pray for:  Tanya who has lost her senior role.  Please give her grace through this time and trust, to know God has things firmly in His hands.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  UPDATE Baby Saige:  Her Grandmother writes that she is growing stronger and:  "I would ask that you SPECIFICALLY PRAY THAT SHE IS ABLE TO COME HOME WITHOUT OXYGEN." (See pictures on blog site - You have to wonder at this smile...warning you may cry with joy)

David R (losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration).  He and his daughter Heidi are finally in their new place.  David seems to be doing alright.  Pray the Lord continues to protect him during this time of change and adjustment.  (I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.)    

Jen has found a new puppy and is delighted.  Thank you so much for your prayers for this amazing woman! 

Sergio has found a wonderful new role (lives in Mexico City) and thanks everyone for praying for him.

Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%." 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart, gives him insight, peace and warmer weather.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Paul NS continues to struggle in finding work, has an interview today.  He grows weary and discouraged and has spent the entire last couple of weeks having tests in the hospital.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and that the doctor he visited yesterday will give him peace of mind.

Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.

Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim in Hong Kong have begun a new ministry.  Please pray the Father keeps guiding them in their work. 

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.