I Hope I Am Willing, Too!

"And a certain man was there, who had been thirty-eight years in his sickness.  When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, 'Do you wish to get well?'

"The sick man answered Him, 'Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.'

"Jesus said to him, 'Arise, take up your pallet and walk.'  And immediately the man became well, and took up his pallet and began to walk." John 5:5-9

John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace for us, watched his wife being consumed by Cancer and wrote this: "'The promises of God must be true; surely the Lord will help me, if I am willing to be helped!' 

"It occurred to me, that we are often led...(from an undue regard of our feelings), to indulge that unprofitable grief which both our duty and our peace require us to resist to the utmost of our power. 

"I instantly said aloud, 'Lord, I am helpless indeed, in myself, but I hope I am willing, without reserve, that Thou shouldst help me.'"*

Sometimes things get us down so much we sort of don't know what to do or how to GET up.  The Lord gave us fellowship to remind us of His love and to strengthen us, encourage us and sometimes even boss us around to keep growing in our faith. 

This is not about pushing through pain that is there to tell us to slow down, but heart pain that whispers to is to not trust the Lord.  A friend can be there to help us struggle through and keep on keeping on while things seem impossible around us.  Trusting Him THEN is really difficult!

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

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Nancy, a friend of Hans, who is to have surgery Monday, that this is not cancer.  She does not know the Lord, yet, so perhaps this is a time for her to hear of Him.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa and in other countries now, as the disease spreads because of fear, lack of education and hygiene.  And for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii now dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They have asked us to pray for the wife of one of their co-workers in the field, Edna, in hospital recovering from a high blood sugar count.  Isaias and Judith 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. 

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke. 

It seems the Lord has found a small project for me.

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 for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he continues to struggle with the ups and down in his battle with cancer.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.  Please pray for his walks, that they are always inspiring and safe.

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. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

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:  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.  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 is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

Please pray for my dear friend, Carla who has just relocated to New York City, that she is safe and stays healthy while she settles.  Paul, David and Matthew are managing alone till the end of the year, pray for patience and awareness and gratefulness, as they miss Carla.

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 starting a new ministry in Hong Kong - that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands.

For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

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, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  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.