Prayer and Fasting Day

Today is a prayer and fasting day for Lana and me. Lana and I are trusting in the Lord regarding our future, but it seems the more I personally go "on record" about resting and trusting that the more my resolve to wait on the Lord is put to the test. I am reminded of a couple emails I sent to friends this morning:

1. This morning I read how God left Hezekiah "to test him and to know everything that was in his heart" (2 Chron 32.31). I don't know if this is happening or not, but I do know that I must be faithful. Earlier, Hezekiah passed a different test when he saw Sennacherib coming (again, 2 Chron 32). How did he pass that test? He encouraged others and got together with the prophet Isaiah for a heaven-touching session of prayer! God intervened on his behalf and rewarded his faithfulness and his encouraging spirit. God sent Sennacherib back to Assyria before the battle was ever begun. But, later Hezekiah had to pass the test mentioned in v. 31. Thus, I ask you to join me in prayer. I don’t want to neglect my Source of strength in this time – nor do I want miss out on the help and encouragement that your prayers and friendship will bring today.
2. I want you to know that God is able to give total and complete victory. Let us pray for that miracle of grace in ______’s life. I know it is possible. With God all things are possible – even the healing of your family. The sun came out through the clouds and rain this morning, and I was reminded that God’s Son rises to shine upon us each day – through the darkness and/or gloom. And I realized this anew this morning: without the very real feelings of loss and hopelessness, our faith and trust and rest is all just the power of positive thinking. It’s all meaningless until it means something in the real battles and struggles and temptations of life.

Be encouraged, fellow pilgrims! Love in Christ Jesus to you all.