And if you're anything like me, it's also full of choir rehearsals, planning for the new year [already], and somewhere along the way, shopping for meaningful gifts with few funds!
People we serve are stressed and stretched as well, and many around me are sick with various things, some seriously ill. Life just never seems to quiet down much.
I hope that your ministry service is one of joy and fulfillment, but IF you find challenges in that part of your life too, consider the Valley of Blessing, from II Chronicles 20:1-27.
Jehoshaphat found himself the target of planned assaults, and it caught him by surprise. It was unexpected, and nipping at his heels before he could do much. Completely traumatized he turned to God and his friends for prayer support. One friend understood God's encouragement, and shared it-don't we LOVE such friends! When God shows up in the midst of our chaos, and speaks it demonstrates His intimate understanding of where we are and what we face. He IS there, and communicates that so lovingly.
Jehoshaphat shared his need with his friends. Together they prayed for God's intervention. When the victory came, they gathered and praised "to the top of their lungs." If we did that today, we might sing the chorus, "...the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end... They are new every morning, new every morning; great is They faithfulness O Lord, great is Thy faithfulness."
Please, read the passage yourself, II Chron. 20-27. Allow God to speak to you through His word. Here is what He said to me about the valley of Beracha, the Valley of Blessing:
A Celebration of Blessings
From God's heart, 2 Chronicles 20:1-27, to you!
Something happened - you faced a great challenge,
it felt much like an assault of war
as the forces came against you...
Shaken, you prayed. Your family and
friends gathered to pray for you.
Most likely, this challenge is something you dreaded and feared,
and, "NOW, it's happened!"
As Jehoshaphat in this passage, you said to yourself "...
[I'm] helpless,
and I don't know what to do; I'm looking at you God."
Then the Spirit of God spoke to you through
a friend's voice, saying:
"Pay Attention - - yes, you! Pay attention.
Don't be afraid.
This is God's war, not yours.
Just stand firm.
Watch, observe, see God's saving work for you take shape.
Don't be afraid, and don't waver; march out boldly each tomorrow-God is with you.
Now, kneel down and pray; bow your heart before God."
Praise God at the top of your lungs.
Believe firmly in God, your God, and your life will be firm.
Give thanks for God's love never quits!
Continue to come together, in the Valley of Blessing...
that place where God gives relief from your enemies!
Anita Onarecker Wood - speaker & author of Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge.
