Wake Up!
My heart is hurting today as I see news clips and read the headlines of Haiti. I am praying for those precious people. I can't keep my thoughts off of them. I cannot imagine what they are going through. It made me reflect back to September 11, 2001. What a tragedy our nation faced that day. It is one I will never forget. I remember where I was when the news broke about the first plane hitting the first tower. I was on my way to a nursing class in Southern IL. I had so much to do that day. I had a test in one of my classes, I had to work and I was finishing up last minute preparations because we were to canidate that next weekend at a church in Kentucky. My heart almost stopped as I listened to the radio. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I just wanted to get home to my husband and son. I wanted to call all my family. I couldn't understand what was happening. I remember the eeriness of that day.
I remember my husband calling the search committee chairman to see if they wanted to postpone our canidacy, but they did not. I will never forget that next weekend. My husband preached a sermon entitled, "Awake the Sleeping Giant." He read from Romans13:10-12 and Revelation 3:1-4. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way that Sunday morning.
I also remember hearing our US Congress sing "God Bless America" on the front steps of our nation's capitol. I remember churches holding prayer meetings all across our nation. People turned to God. It grieves my heart when I think of how far we've come in just 8 short years. How quickly we have forgotten. Lord, turn our nation back to you. Help us to seek your heart.
I must admit, sweet Journey Girls, that I have really been struggling last night and today. I can't go into much detail, but I can tell you that I was struggling with our current life situation. I was questioning whether or not the Lord had forgotten about us. I was having my own little pity party. Can anyone relate? As I have shared before, this desert experience has been very difficult for my family. We continue to seek God's perfect plan for our future. Last August, we packed up all of our belongings, took all of our savings and moved to my parents home in Effingham, IL. My husband is currently an interim pastor for a small church in Woodriver IL and I am currently unemployed. We are waiting for our next assignment and it seems as though every door seems to be closing. I know that God has a plan and we just have to wait until He opens the door.
Then, I was reminded of the Haiti tragedy. I felt so convicted for how I had been feeling. I felt as though the Lord was shouting,"Elisabeth, WAKE UP!!" Lord, forgive me for worrying, for doubting and for focusing on my own problems instead of others. I want to have a heart like YOURS! I am just going to continue to trust in you, knowing that your timing is perfect. I love you Lord! Thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for my freedom. Thank you for your loving kindness. Thank you Lord for never leaving or forsaking us. Thank you for your unconditional love. Heal the people of Haiti.
Romans 13:10-12 ~ "Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."
I just wanted to tell you girls how much you mean to me! I am so thankful that the Lord has placed you in my life. Thank you for going with me on this journey. I would love to hear how God is moving in and through you. :)
Praying for those who are hurting,
Elisabeth
I remember my husband calling the search committee chairman to see if they wanted to postpone our canidacy, but they did not. I will never forget that next weekend. My husband preached a sermon entitled, "Awake the Sleeping Giant." He read from Romans13:10-12 and Revelation 3:1-4. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way that Sunday morning.
I also remember hearing our US Congress sing "God Bless America" on the front steps of our nation's capitol. I remember churches holding prayer meetings all across our nation. People turned to God. It grieves my heart when I think of how far we've come in just 8 short years. How quickly we have forgotten. Lord, turn our nation back to you. Help us to seek your heart.
I must admit, sweet Journey Girls, that I have really been struggling last night and today. I can't go into much detail, but I can tell you that I was struggling with our current life situation. I was questioning whether or not the Lord had forgotten about us. I was having my own little pity party. Can anyone relate? As I have shared before, this desert experience has been very difficult for my family. We continue to seek God's perfect plan for our future. Last August, we packed up all of our belongings, took all of our savings and moved to my parents home in Effingham, IL. My husband is currently an interim pastor for a small church in Woodriver IL and I am currently unemployed. We are waiting for our next assignment and it seems as though every door seems to be closing. I know that God has a plan and we just have to wait until He opens the door.
Then, I was reminded of the Haiti tragedy. I felt so convicted for how I had been feeling. I felt as though the Lord was shouting,"Elisabeth, WAKE UP!!" Lord, forgive me for worrying, for doubting and for focusing on my own problems instead of others. I want to have a heart like YOURS! I am just going to continue to trust in you, knowing that your timing is perfect. I love you Lord! Thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for my freedom. Thank you for your loving kindness. Thank you Lord for never leaving or forsaking us. Thank you for your unconditional love. Heal the people of Haiti.
Romans 13:10-12 ~ "Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."
I just wanted to tell you girls how much you mean to me! I am so thankful that the Lord has placed you in my life. Thank you for going with me on this journey. I would love to hear how God is moving in and through you. :)
Praying for those who are hurting,
Elisabeth
4 Response to Wake Up!
Thank you Elisabeth for reminding me to "Wake Up"! Sometimes we get so lost in our own lives that we forget about what is going on around us! There are always others with much bigger problems than our own. I think we recieve the biggest blessing when we turn our prayers from inward to outward. Lifting up others in their time of need and sorrow! Thank You for reminding me!
Chrisy,
Thank you for your friendship! Thank you for being my RFL! :) You always tell me what I need to hear, whether I want to hear it or not. You always remind me of God's Word. Thank you for your prayers, frienship, encouragement and support! I am praying for you this morning!! Believe GOD!
I love you!
It is heartbreaking what is happening right now in Haiti. I, too, cannot imagine the sights of what they are seeing everyday, let alone possibly losing everyone you love in one tragic event.
I saw a video today that a friend posted to my Facebook wall. Maybe you've seen it. It is the story of Patrick Henry Hughes, a Louisville Cardinal Marching Band member. But, not just any marching band member. One born blind and crippled. The video, whose link I will post shortly, tells of his love for music, and how his family has sacrificed immensely to ensure that Patrick overcomes the impossible. But, what struck me was what Patrick himself said in the video, "God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability, the musical gifts I have, and the great opportunity to meet people." 'Nuff said. (video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTiYA1WiY8)
My mother gave me a scripture last year that I clung to in the "desert". She said that she read it and thought of me and my family. It was this: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior. Others died that you might live. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:1-4
Elisabeth, you have went out of your way in your "desert" to pray for us, and comfort us, and focus our eyes on the Lord more clearly. I may be speaking out of turn, but I dare say that all of the Journey Girls are also praying daily for you. Third Day sings a song called "Tunnel". "There's a light at the end of this tunnel, shining bright at the end of this tunnel for you. So keep holdin' on." I pray that I've been some encouragement for you today. God continue to bless you on your journey, sweet sister...
Jewelie,
You can't imagine how I needed this encouragement! Thank you so much for your love, support, prayers & kindness!! I appreciate you so!! You are a blessing & I praise Jesus for you! I will have to download that song. I love ya friend!! I'm praying for you!
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