Grateful for Praying Friends

“No one knows the day or hour.” I felt this verse pretty heavy today when I was out running errands.
 

Matthew 24:36-44 (NKJV) “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
 

I’m grateful to know the voice of the Lord. At the end of last year, I heard Him say, Don’t abandon your post. I had no idea what was coming or how much I would struggle during the months between then and now. Honestly, I wanted to be anywhere else. I didn’t want to be in Kentucky. This was supposed to be a short-term assignment. Wasn’t it?
 

I was tired of being a sojourner in a foreign land. I was tired of pain, grief, shame, and sorrow. I was tired of losing people prematurely. I was tired of people treating each other harshly.
 

I was just tired.
 

I’m thankful the Lord watches over us when we sleep and grateful for praying friends.
 

Trials are meant to purify and strengthen us. It’s part of the sanctification process. Jesus is returning for a spotless and mature Bride. We want to have oil for our lamps and listen for His knock at the door. It feels close now, and we don’t want to be caught off guard.
 

Surround yourself with friends who love you so much they’ll carry you to the feet of Jesus when you’re too afflicted to make it there on your own.
 

I challenge you to close your eyes and picture yourself sitting in a chair surrounded by a circle of chairs. Who do you see sitting in those chairs around you? Pray for those people today. Thank the Lord for putting these people in your life.
 

It’s hard to be strong all the time.

It’s okay to take a day off to rest.

It’s okay to sleep.

It’s okay to cry.

Process those emotions.

Sit with God and allow Him to heal your heart wounds. Then get up. Praise opens the prison doors. Loose those cords that have held you hostage. Walk out of that dark place with wisdom and compassion, lifting up those around you.

 

This is the journey of life.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
 

That’s all.
 

Keep watching and praying, my friends! Jesus is coming soon.