His Song In the Night

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:8 NIV

Today I woke to find a text from a dear friend and fellow Caregiver who has cared for her husband for many years during which he has faced cancer currently for the fourth time.  During the past few months, my friend's husband has declined greatly and spent many weeks in and out of the hospital. Since his children all live distances away and the couple resides in the country, this Caregiver finds herself alone most of the time meeting the needs of her very ill spouse.  

Her text to me this morning explained that she was up every hour during the night with her husband only sleeping from 5:30-7:00 am peacefully.  When I read the message I instantly teared up for I could relate and remembered the discouragement, frustration, and fear the night can bring to a Caregiver.  I prayed all throughout the day for my friend knowing God would continue to sustain her but at the same time desiring some way to encourage her in the Lord.

This afternoon I opened my devotion only to read the exact Word I knew God wanted me to share with my friend.  When I read the scripture from Psalms, my heart was full with love from a God who loves me and cares so much that He sent me a verse from His Word that fit the EXACT need of my sister in Christ.

What a blessing to know, especially as a lonely, fearful Caregiver that God's personal song is with us through the night.  He never leaves or forsakes us and when things are darkest, He is closest!

Witnessing a Promise

Jeremiah 33:3

 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Today I was overcome with emotion and an overflow from a thankful heart as I was given the opportunity to serve as a greeter passing out bulletins at our family's new church in Orlando, Florida. As I greeted each one I am sure they were all thinking, "Boy, this lady is really happy to be at church today!"  I wasn't able to stop smiling or thinking about the journey I had endured in order to be standing there in that place today.  

God showed my husband, Brian, this church over a year ago online and ever since that time we have both felt a pull to be a part of Genesis Church and the work this church body is doing for the Kingdom of God.  We would pray each night as a family knowing that we were supposed to be a part of this church.  We would pray for the pastor and his family, the church members, and our future involvement.  Now we are there and a part of something we prayed for every day for over a year.  It really was surreal.  

My message to you is that when God gives you a promise, as He did with our family concerning Genesis Church, don't EVER give up!  No matter how long it takes, God will never let you down and you will witness the promises He has given you.  When the promise comes to fruition... hold onto your hat!  

In Jeremiah 33:3, God tells us all that He will answer when we call and on top of that, He will show us amazing things that will could never have even imagined.  That's how awesome and cool our God truly is!  Keep praying, keep trusting, and then witness God's promises becoming reality in your life.

Being Still is Hard!

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10 NIV

Within the past month I have witnessed what happens when you actually stay "still" and allow God to do His work.  Over one year ago in April of 2015, I felt the Holy Spirit impress on my heart the urge to relocate my family to the Orlando, Florida area in order to do ministry for Him in that area.  I thought this would happen in the very near future but that was definitely NOT the case!

The more I prayed the longer I waited.  To be honest, I became very discouraged along the way from time to time.  I could not understand why God would not allow a job to open as I applied over and over.  The enemy continued to speak words of discouragement into my mind telling me that no one wanted to hire me and that I would never move to Orlando.  The enemy whispered to me how everyone thought I was crazy and that the Holy Spirit had not told me to move.  The deceiver is definitely the prince of lies.  He knows exactly what to do in order to discourage and defeat us.  He knows our individual weaknesses and uses them against us if we allow him.

In April as I saw a complete year of praying and waiting on the Lord come to an end multiple people shared Pslam 46:10 with me, most not even knowing I was waiting on the Lord.  When I stopped trying so very hard to make it happen I received a phone call that has changed my and my family's life forever!  I was contacted by a college in the Orlando area during the month of May and invited for an on campus visit.  I was offered the job and immediately our fast paced relocation began.  In less than four weeks we are now living in Florida and I will begin my new position this coming week.  

What I realized and want to share with you, is this scripture, like all of the Bible, is true and applicable to our lives today just as it was when it was first written.  When I stopped working so very hard at trying to make God's promise happen in my life myself and just became "still" allowing God to do His amazing work, things fell into place.  

Today, I encourage you to put down whatever you are struggling with and just be still and rest in God knowing He has everything under control.  The Lord always has your best interest in mind along with your happiness.  He really does love you more than you can ever comprehend.

Complete Healing

Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, My child! Your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2, NLT

As a Caregiver, my focus constantly remained on my husband's physical condition and healing.  While this was and continues to be very important to me, I realized that what God was doing through spiritual and emotional healing was even more valuable.

While Brian's heart had failed his physical body and we prayed for a miracle, God saw much more of the picture for which we could not at the time.  He saw a man filled with anxiety and fear for which he also desperately needed healing from.  As Brian saw God heal his physical condition and we together realized nothing could save him but the Lord, the anxiety and fears began to lessen and Brian began to really appreciate and enjoy life in a new found way.

Brian had always been afraid to travel and now we were leaving home and driving 12 hours to Disney World and he never looked back.  He was always afraid of getting sick but after facing death, a measly virus just didn't have the same effect.  He worried about loosing people to death but after coming so close multiple times himself he continues to say there are things far worse than death.

Physical healing is powerful and we thank our Lord daily for Brian's miraculous improvements and survival, but at the same time my heart overflows when I see him reading the Word or encouraging others in the name of Jesus while openly sharing how God has transformed his life.  What is even more exciting is that God is no where near finished and I cannot wait to be a witness to all there is to come as our Lord continues to heal Brian in all ways using him to reach others for His Kingdom!

Fear Blocks the Good News!

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10

Recently a friend reminded me of a fact within the scriptures.   Whenever God spoke or sent an angel to speak for Him, the first words spoken were "Fear Not".  As the afternoon passed, the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart and mind showing me how if fear had remained, the ones being spoken to would have missed life altering messages from God.  Now that's serious!

Think about it, over and over God tells those He directs and calls for a special purpose to "not be afraid" before giving them His instructions or direction.  It is clear that when fear is present we cannot hear the voice of our Lord and Savior which is exactly the plan of the enemy.  Why then would we allow the devil to keep our minds full of fear and anxiety when in this state it is impossible for us to be open to the voice of the Lord?  

I thought about the shepherds of the Nativity who had an amazing encounter with a host of angels out in a field in the middle of the night.  Just think if they had freaked out in fear and run away to hide. They would have missed seeing the Christ Child lying in the manger as well as spreading the good news to all who would listen.

I also recall all the many times when Jesus would say, frequently to His disciples, to not be afraid.  One of my most favorites was when Jesus met the disciples walking on the water.  He said "... "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27.  When Peter focused on what Jesus was saying and His directions, all was well and he walked on the water, too.  But when his fear crept back, Peter sank beneath the waves.  

If something is so clear and we have example after example within the infallible Word of God, why do we allow fear to come between the amazing personal messages and directions our Father has for each of us?  I fall victim to this, too.  But, I will admit the longer I remain in His Word and spend time in conversation with Jesus, the easier it is to actually "Fear Not" and listen to what He has to say. 

Why Does God Allow Delays?

⁴ When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” ⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, ⁷ and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” (John 11)

Let's just be real about this one and admit that none of us expect nor enjoy it when God allows delays within our journey.  We like asking God for help and seeing a response or answer immediately, which can happen, but many times as in the case of John 11, our answer is delayed.  We understand that our best laid plans can often come with unexpected delays and how we respond to these delays is what makes all the difference.

My family believes that if we are delayed while traveling it was God's way of protecting us from a possible accident or even worse.  We now smile and thank him when we are stopped in traffic or a few minutes late arriving to an event for we believe it was His plan and not ours, which in the end is always for our ultimate good.  

I heard the phrase "Because He loves me He delays!" for which I didn't agree with until I was reminded how each time God delays our plan it brings Him greater glory and honor when the answer comes.  

The death of Lazarus was definitely a clear depiction of this when his sisters called for Jesus to come and heal him but instead we know He chose to delay.  When viewing this through human eyes we cannot believe Jesus would do this on purpose for the Bible tells us He loved Lazarus and his sisters. Why on earth would he purposefully wait and not run to their aid?  We see as the story unfolds that Jesus arrived late in the eyes of Mary and Martha in order to perform one of the greatest miracles of His ministry.  He waited so instead of just healing Lazarus, He was able to raise him from the dead!  Talk about giving God glory and honor through a delay.

I keep that in mind within my own life as I pray for open doors and find myself in the midst of a delay.  I must remember that while I wait, Jesus has not forgotten me and that He hears my cry for help but instead of jumping at my request He chooses to delay.  I must be confidently expectant in the Lord and His timing for my life.  Each time this occurs I am thankful after the fact that I was made to wait in order to see miraculous things which always give Him the most glory and honor imaginable. 

60,000+ Strong

I had to connect and share what was on my heart when I saw our online ministry had surpassed 60,000 Caregivers connected to our webpage.  Pure joy was my initial feeling followed by a deeper urgency to reach even more Caregivers in the name of Jesus!  My mind cannot comprehend the number of children, young adults, and seniors who day in and day out dedicate their lives to the care of others.  The task of Caregiver is not one for which to take lightly or with haste.  It is a dedicated position for which God has only called very special ones to respond.

If you are among that chosen group of Caregivers today and you feel overwhelmed and weary, take refuge in knowing you are not alone.  You belong to a army, one I like to call a special forces unit, for which God has hand picked to be His hands and feet for His children who cannot care for themselves.  You are special and what you do is extraordinary.  Please never forget that.

Jesus left us a powerful yet gentle comforter and supporter when He left the earth so long ago and we know this is the Holy Spirit.  Allow the Holy Spirit to be your Caregiver and your spiritual help when no one else is there or can begin to understand what you feel or manage on a daily basis.  Let the Comforter support you physically and mentally for He can do things through you that are humanly impossible.  Open your heart and mind to what could happen if you allow the Holy Spirit to become your Caregiver and supernatural strength in this journey you are walking or maybe even some days, crawling.

My message for you today is there is strength in numbers.  There is power when 2 or more come together before the throne of God so just imagine the power we have as 60,000+ when our prayers go up together.  What an amazingly beautiful sound that is to the Father's ears and how much more will He bless and keep us.

Where Is Our Hope?

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.  By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.  Hebrews 11:1-3

I never really gave much thought to hope until today.  I heard a pastor explain how it can only exist in our future.  He went on to explain how God gave each of us this amazing gift so that we always have wonderful things to look forward to.  Our creator made us in His image which means we are creative and have imaginations.  God wants us to trust in Him so much that we don't have to physically see something in order to know it is already happening and a part of God intricate plan for our lives.

It is easy to be confident in the things we see and are experiencing today, but beyond that takes great hope.  What I love about the 11th chapter of Hebrews is that we are given example after example after the scriptures above of those who were faithful and who's confidence and hope in God paid off.

Not being visible doesn't mean something isn't real or not there.  That's what the world and the enemy will tell us but not what God's Word tells us.  What are we choosing to put our hope in today?  Will it be the world we can visibly see and touch or in the invisible but promised hope of the Lord?

Ideas, dreams, and visions were all placed within us by the Lord when we were created.  How we decide to use them makes all the difference in our futures.  Are we conforming to the expectations of those around us or to the expectations of our Creator God?  Society will always tell us we are not creative nor imaginative but that is a lie and the complete opposite of how God actually created us.

Today, I challenge you to join me in hoping for mind-blowing things we cannot see in the present but will see in the futures God has called us to walk within.  We must be assured and certain of the hope God has given each one of us.  He loves to strengthen and empower us as we have faith and confidence in what we hope for knowing that we will one day see it.

According to All That Is Written

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8

I had somewhat of an epiphany yesterday when I picked up my Bible to find a scripture God had sent me during the day in a devotion.  It hit me that each day as Christians we enter the battlefield as soon as we awake yet we forget or even hesitate to read and remain in the ONLY weapon that will ever see us victorious.  I love that Joshua tells it like it is because it's exactly what this girl needs!

He tells us that God's Word should not depart from our mouth.  I interpret this as meaning that you can only intelligently speak about a subject for which you are well read.  The Bible is no different.  Joshua says we should "meditate" on the Word of God both day and night.  What?  You mean we should be thinking about what the Bible tells us all the time?  Well, that would mean that the Word would have an effect on all our actions, which is what living like Jesus seems to be all about!

What I absolutely love about my God is He never asks of me without blessing me in abundance and beyond anything I could ever imagine.  It says if we know the Word, speak the Word, meditate on the Word, and actually do what the Word says, God will make our way PROSPEROUS and we will have good SUCCESS!  What more could we want?  God is so amazing and loves us so much that He actually loves to do special personal things for us.  He gains pleasure by giving us the desires of our hearts when we are living for HIM and living in His Word!

If the Word of God is our weapon, our protection, our road map, our comfort, and our promise, why don't we want to automatically do the things this scripture mentions?  Why don't we read it every chance we have during the day?  I'll tell you why.  Because we are human and focused on the world we live within and not focused on the Jesus that lives within us.  Let's pick up our Bibles and be victorious!

His Joy

Deuteronomy 31:6(NIV)

  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The holiday season can be very difficult and painful for many caregivers.  There isn't time for parties or attending even family festivities for the caregiver must remain by the bedside of the one he/she cares for.  The work they accomplish doesn't stop for even Christmas.  I have recently spoken with several caregivers who were very sad over missing special church services, not being able to get any shopping done for family or friends, and from overwhelming feelings of not being able to do all they feel is expected by those around them.  It breaks my heart for I have often felt those same things during this time of the year.  

I must admit that several years ago I got to a breaking point where I realized I was not physically or mentally able to continue all I did during the holidays before my husband Brian became ill.  You may have to do the very same thing.  It is perfectly fine to change traditions and the way you have done things forever so that you can actually enjoy yourself.  I suggest trying to talk with family and friends and if this doesn't work still do what works for you and your immediate family.  This may sound harsh but you must take care of yourself.  If your family and friends don't understand or care how life has changed for you as a caregiver, your holiday may be more peaceful without them.  Also, remember if people ask to help you and its something another can actually do for you, let them!  God may have sent them to be His help to you!  You would never tell God no.  So don't tell them no.  

I also send my thoughts and prayers of comfort out to all caregivers who have lost the ones they cared for this past year and face their first Christmas without them.  This is a very real pain you are feeling.  Don't allow others to belittle it or underestimate the loss you have experienced.  But DO ALLOW God to be your comforter and healer.  His joy can overcome anything including the pain your heart is feeling at this very moment.  Remember, Jesus felt and took it all when He hung on the cross for you. Cling to His love and call His name anytime you need Him.  He will be there and He will never leave nor forsake you.  

He is the true joy of this season.  Let's not allow the enemy to ever take that away from us. Remember, you were CALLED to be a Caregiver and your work is unto the Lord.

 

God Himself Will Provide

Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Genesis 22:7, 8

The closer I walk with God and study the teachings of Jesus the more the Holy Spirit reveals to me through the Word about my own personal struggles and victories.  Take this story for example when God asks Abraham what we all believe to be the unthinkable which was sacrificing his own son.  How ironic that later God would actually be the one who gave up His Son for all of us.

I have read this chapter and these particular verses over and over but just last week they became fresh and exciting to me in an entirely new way.  God has asked something big of me which seems impossible.  I know it won’t be easy and I also don’t have the means for which to do it.  So, I am completely relying upon my trust in Him and His plan and provision.  Don’t get me wrong.  This is NOT an easy time but during it, I have drawn even closer to God and can hear His voice even clearer through daily messages of encouragement and reassurance.  

I love it that Isaac called to his Father.  That is our first step, too.  God tells us repeatedly to call or cry out to Him yet most of the time we barely whisper.  Next, Isaac asked his Father a question.  God never minds our questions and since He is the one who created us I don’t believe the way in which our brains operate is a surprise to Him.  He made us to communicate with Him.  Our Lord is conversational!  It all goes back to being made in His image.  

But now comes the answer which to Isaac didn’t make a lot of sense in the moment but did a little later in his day.  The two were going up a mountain to give a sacrifice to the Lord but to Isaac it seemed they didn’t have one.  Abraham knew that God had asked him to sacrifice Isaac, the son he had waited for so long and loved so much.  God was testing to see if Abraham loved Him more than his own son.  So we read Abraham’s response which explains how “God himself will provide…” even though in that moment it seemed impossible.  In my own moments of waiting I often forget that God is GOD!  I often compare God to a human which is wrong and actually insulting to my Lord.  He is all knowing and the Creator of all.  Because of this, NOTHING is too hard for Him due to the fact He made it all and rules it all.

Just as Abraham readies to sacrifice his own son, God provides a ram in the brush for the offering.  See the wording there.  God provides.  He always does. Even when it’s not done the way we believe it should be and in our timing.  Try and wrap your mind around the idea that God actually knew you before you were created in your mother’s womb, gave you life, loves you, and wants to bless you by providing for you.  After you accept all this for truth life becomes full of joy you can’t explain but want to share.

My Opposition

 

 

Job 23:6(NIV)

  Would he vigorously oppose me?
    No, he would not press charges against me.

Let's be completely real with one another.  Okay?  There are days we all face where it seems as if everything in the world is working against us.  There are days when I actually cry out to the Lord asking if He is still there and if He is why He isn't doing something to help me.  (Remember, I said I was going to be honest and that's not always pretty.)

But that's really never the case when it comes to the Lord.  I always go back to Job because his story is one we all should read repeatedly.  Job actually DID have it all.  God loved him and blessed him but then along came the devil.  Doesn't this sound very familiar even in our own lives?  Well, if not for you, it definitely does for me.  

I think back to the days before my husband was diagnosed with a life threatening heart disease and given 6 months to live.  I was a 32 year old wife to the love of my life, living in my dream neighborhood, being a mommy to my beautiful 3 year old daughter. And on top of all that, I was an elementary school teacher, which had been my dream since childhood.  Life was good.  New cars filled the garage, new furniture stood throughout my home, and I wore the latest fashions. Hence, my pre-Job days.

In less than a year the lifestyle I had known changed for without my husband's generous salary and benefits we could not longer afford to live this life style on a teacher's salary.  I must admit I get down sometimes, even now, wondering when all that was lost will be regained as it was for Job but I also know God has never left us or forgotten us.  He continues to provide for our family on a daily basis and I also believe has much we cannot imagine. In fact He reminds me daily through Jeremiah 33:3.

You see, when we are faced with the question Job had of whether God is opposing us, we must stop and remember He would NEVER "press charges against" us but instead paid our ransom by sacrificing His only precious Son, Jesus.

In the Desert

[ Psalm 63 ] [ A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. ] You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1NIV

We all understand what this scripture meant to David for he was residing in both a spiritual and physical desert at the time this was penned.  The question I pose to you today is what does this verse speak to your life and your circumstances?  

Unfortunately, I will admit one of the only things I worry about in my life from time to time and experience anxiety from is that of my family's finances.  The enemy works to convince me that it is my obligation and responsibility to provide for my family and that I can never do enough for them in that area.  The truth is it God has not given this task to me for it belongs to Him alone.  Now, yes, I will work and do my part for God honors this but He continues to remind me that He is my family's provider.  So for me, the water within this scripture represents money.

Yes, I actually said the word that Christians don't like to address or confess.  Instead of looking for money in my dry parched bank account, I need to seek God first and keep my eyes on Him.  If and when I am wise enough to do that, He takes care of all our family's financial needs.  He has done it over and over in our family's past and will never leave us or forsake us in the days to come.  

So today I made the choice to focus on Jesus and all He has done, is doing, and will do in my life instead of what I don't have or worry that I won't be able to do.  If He calls me He will equip me.

Blessed Are You

 

Matthew 5:11  “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."

  

For years I would read this scripture and wondered if Jesus was confused or maybe fatigued from a journey when He made this statement.  Being blessed in my mind could never include insults, persecution, and lies against me.  The problem remained that I continued to miss the most critical portion of the verse which was "because of me."  

I now understand that if another casts an insult or lie against me because I serve and love Jesus Christ, it really is a blessing.  No, not in the way the world defines a blessing but most definitely the way in which heaven sees it.  Remember, when we are obedient to the commands and direction of the Lord, the devil will act quickly in order to derail us and his most used weapons are insults, persecution, and lies.  The Word of God tell us that he is the father of lies.  

What a shock it would be to the next person who insults, persecutes, or lies about you when you confront them by thanking them for the blessing!  What a great way to steal their power to hurt you.  You can do it with the strength of the Lord if only you ask for it.  Jesus is our greatest defender and always will be.  Leave it to Him and forgive.

When a Caregiver Gets Sick

 He gives us strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” —Isaiah 40:29–31

What happens to those being cared for when the caregiver is sick?  This is something that we don't think about until it happens but when it does it isn't pretty.  I always say, "I am not allowed to be sick or feel bad."  In actuality that is true for most caregivers, for they must continue on and make sure things get done. 

One example of this would be our family's last vacation where my husband and I both became very sick with sinus infections.  We both sought help at a local urgent care and were both placed on high power antibiotics and encouraged to rest.  Well, for a heart patient this was twice as serious and my husband felt twice as bad which meant he rested in the hotel room for 2 days.  We even tried to cancel our trip but were told we would lose our money, so we stuck it out. 

For three days I took my antibiotics and pain meds and walked around amusement parks and even spent one day at a water park all for the sake of my 11 year old who was supposed to be celebrating her birthday!  I was miserable and don't remember parts of it, which is a little scary, but I did what I had to do.  That's what caregivers do... even when they're sick.

By Thursday of our week's vacation my husband and I were both a little better and were able to salvage the last few days.  I learned a lot that week.  I learned that caregivers never really get a vacation but I wouldn't have done it any differently even if given the chance.  I take care of my family better than anyone else ever will and there are lots more vacations in our future. 

Ready for Rain

1 Kings 18:41-19:8

Elijah Prays for Rain

41 Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!”

42 So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.

43 Then he said to his servant, “Go and look out toward the sea.”

The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, “I didn’t see anything.”

Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. 44 Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.”

Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’”

45 And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. 46 Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt[a] and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.

It was imperative that I include this entire section of scripture in order to really bring my point home. Today I began to prepare for a something that won't happen until three weeks from now.  Even though I don't know the final outcome I believe God is saying yes and continuing to confirm what is ahead.  So I am acting as if it is already decided and I am moving forward.

One of my dearest friends called me today and when I told her what I was doing she didn't laugh but instead said, "You are being like Elijah. You are just preparing for the rain which God has promised!" What a blessing this comment was to my heart for I struggle daily with doubts and fears about the future and what God truly wants for me.  

Elijah must have looked pretty foolish as he proclaimed the rain was coming and that Ahab was to go ahead and prepare when not one cloud filled the sky.  How odd it had to have been to the servant who went SEVEN times to look for a rain cloud until finally one was found.  What an amazing example Elijah is for me as he never doubted but instead spent his time in preparation and in the end we see that, "the Lord gave special strength to Elijah." I want that same strength and know God will give it if I only ask.