Climbing Out of a Pit

"And he said, 'I am looking for my brothers; please tell me where they are pasturing the flock.'  Then the man said, 'They have moved from here; for I heard them saying, 'Let us go to Dothan.''  So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

"When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put hip to death. -- So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the varicoloured tunic that was on him; and they took him and threw him into the pit.  Now the pit was empty, without any water in it." Genesis 37:16-24

"'You'll get through this.  It won't be painless.  It won't be quick.  But God will use this mess for good.  In the meantime don't be foolish or naive.  But don't despair either.  With God's help you will get through this.'"*

Today's assignment:  think about a time you faced where it seemed impossible.  Friends, family, health, circumstances, the economy seemed to work against you and you felt lost and unsure what to do.  

Consider how life changed eventually and you were able to "climb out of the hopeless and bone dry pit" holding onto the hand of the Lord.  Then consider and write down what you learned during that time of feeling abandoned and/or betrayed.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Isaias, Judith and daughter, Agnes have been on the road conducting training in several places in the Philippines.  Judith has fallen ill.  Her blood pressure reached alarming levels and she is now in hospital, requiring emergency gall bladder surgery.  Please be with Isaias and Agnes during this time.  Surgery and hospital costs $5,000.  Please pray the Lord finds members of His family who are ready, willing and able to help them.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about their wonderful work there.  Search Ambassadors for Christ Philippines (Http://www.afcphilippines.com/) and look for Isaias Catorce.
• ·        Adrian - struggled through the weekend and made a brief call to me last night.  He is trying to get transport to the doctors today and his phone has broken.  Please pray someone fit and compassionate who is nearby will come to help him get to and from the doctors/ hospital.  His battle with this horrible form of cancer has been heroic, but he grows tired, yet, continues to look to the Lord and is grateful for you as you pray.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        In 2000 during the Sydney Olympics a young evangelist, DB, stayed with me.  After which, he began to travel with his mission of sports evangelism.  Over the years he followed the WeakDay Devotion and would email me regularly.  Due to technical difficulties with his travels, since 2006, he was unable to access that particular email box until this week while he was in China.  There found all the devotions!  He sent me an email to say he was blessed and will keep in touch more often now and is happy to know the devotions continue and he can access the blog site.  What a blessing for me.  Thank you DB and please pray for travelling mercies for him.
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• ·        The Lord has met Han's monthly debts in a most amazing way...and he is so thankful.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        My project ends in June and I will need to find a new one.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Rachael has asked us to pray for Chris who remains on the wait list for a heart transplant.  "Pray that if it is God's will for him to get one, that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers.
• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing.  Spring brings some relief from the cold temperature, but the pollen takes its toll.
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Chester continues to struggle through many serious medical conditions and poor care.  He has dwindling funds and few friends to help.  (This prayer request comes from Adrian, by the way).  Pray the Lord gives Chester energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him.  And that someone will come to share Christ with him soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Elina has not gotten back with me about her graduate program interview, but we will continue to pray for her.
• ·        Deepak is travelling in China.  Pray for travelling mercies.  He needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he works to develop his business. 
• ·        Paul NS needs work of some kind.  He is continuing to have interviews and pursue roles.  He has not had work since 2012. 

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church there with a special prayer room that is open 24/7, with a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to serve.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred and his family.  His beloved wife has passed away last week after a long struggle to recover from a head injury.  Please pray for the intimate comfort of the Lord for them as they walk through this difficult time.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.
• ·        Wezley is an 18-year old who has lost her direction and her way.  Pray the Lord seizes her heart and that she realises His love soon.
• ·        God has provided Adrian a free room in Phil's home.  Yet, Phil is quite old and chaotic.  Pray the Lord will establish and maintain peace between these two men.  Pray the Lord will give Phil more understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness with Adrian.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of personal challenges.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        For those in Canada and Texas who are struggling with the horrible storms.
• ·        Please be with those in the train derailment in the USA as they pick up the pieces to make sense of this tragedy.
• ·        A second major earthquake has happened in Nepal.  Please pray for those now struggling to dig out and survive.  Also keep praying for those supporting and those recovering from the horrendous earthquake in Nepal.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.
• ·        Those around the world being affected by the radical Islamic groups, especially ISIS and Boko Haram.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  This His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support and encouragement over many years.

*A Love Worth Giving is copyright protected since 2002 by Max Lucado.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 978-0-8499-4831-2 (repackaged).  I encourage you to secure a copy and follow along.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.  Pray for Mr. Lucado and I thank my brother for recommending it.