of gratitude, certainly, but also
heavy. There are so many
things that weigh me down
with care or sadness these
days. Even when the events
don't directly touch me or my
family, they can be so tragic
to hear that it seems surely
the world is coming undone
and there is no way to avoid
being caught in the chaos.
What do You hold in store for
us?
I am the only One Who is able to hold and protect it. You were never created
to carry these loads. You were designed to love and know Me, and I am the
One Who will carry the weight of care for you and for your family. Your heart
needs time to rest and to heal. Do not expose it to every wind that wafts
through the air. It is not good for you to hear the tragedies of life played out
in detail. The compassion you feel is a reflection of My own heart, but do not
dwell in those dark places of despair. The world is full of evil and sadness, it
is true, but I have overcome the world. Keep your eyes and thoughts focused
on Me and My goodness.
I am the ever-faithful One. Do you not remember how I cared for you
and blessed you before you ever responded to Me? You never earned or
deserved a single favor I have shown you. They have been the result of My
grace and are My gift to you. I will be just as faithful to your children and their
families, for I love them more than you do. I created them, placed them into
your lives, died, and rose again for them. I am not distant, and My investment
in them far outweighs yours. Their welfare does not depend on your prayers,
but I invite you to be a part of the awesome work that I am doing in them. I am
bringing each of them into an ever-growing relationship with Me. Their lives
will look different in some ways than yours has, but the yokes I give them will
be a custom fit for each one. The greatest gift you can give them is to pray
for them, and it is also your highest privilege. When you pray, you come close
to Me and hear My heart for them. You teach them to trust Me with everything
when they see your confidence in My love. You become a part of the tapestry
that unfolds before them as they walk through the uncertainties of life.
Uncertainties should not frighten you, for they are never uncertain to Me.
They are often My greatest gifts and most wonderful surprises as they
become a part of the history and memories in a person's life. Uncertainties
can be My best work. You may think that your own life has become fairly
predictable, but I am still at work. Your family will always be a priority for you,
but since they are ultimately My responsibility, there is room in your life to
enlarge the place of your tent. As you follow Me, you will lengthen and stretch
out the perimeter of your life and service. Do not underestimate Me, and do
not be afraid of the future. You do not know what it may hold, but you do know
Me, the One Who holds it. I am the One Who has called you, and with
everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you. I am not standing
over you waiting to drop tragedy or loss across your path; I am even now
setting your feet in a broad place of blessing and bringing you to a land of
promise, a heavenly city, and an unshakable kingdom.
Psalm 31:8; Psalm 118:5-9; Hebrews 11:8-10, 14-16
Hebrews 12:22-29
 |  |  |  |