~ "another fine mess you've gotten us into!!!"

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. (Ps 37:39-40)

Right now I'm waiting on the Lord to deliver me from myself. We all do things that we probably shouldn't and get ourselves into a fix. But what about what we've yet to do? What about when we know the train is coming and can't get off the tracks?

I received a visit last night from my pastor. I haven't been in church for a few weeks and he was concerned. I shared with him what's been going on in my life over the past month and he reassured me that God would not abandon me. He reminded me that what I've given up to follow him will be replaced ten-fold in heaven. I am not alone!

When we get into situations and we feel the Lord has failed us, we become targets for Satan (not that we aren't targets when we're still walking the right path). Our hearts are hurting and we need comfort and it's not coming from where we need it to come. Satan sends his angels and in some instances, makes a personal appearance, in an attempt to destroy all that you have become. He twists and he turns us in such a way that we don't even realize he's doing it! Eventually we see exactly what's going on and have absolutely no idea how to undo what's been done! Now what?

Again, God knows our weaknesses too! He knows our strengths! Our faith is what will see us through (that, and perhaps a good dose of honesty and self-awareness). And what if we can't find the strength ~ I know that God will find it! He's moved in my life too many times for me to just walk away and doubt him. He's given me gifts I'd never have had if I'd stayed just an "acquaintance". So, in silence I sit and wait on his answer. Waiting up until the very last moment to be rescued is hard on the heart, but he did not send his son to die for me so that I could be left at the curb with the trash. His love will prevail!

Whatever personal battle you are fighting right now, know that God will be there, like the cavalry, to protect you, and just in the nick of time! He tends to protect his possessions better than some of us do. Ask him to remove the temptation of the flesh and replace it with the joy of the spirit! The heart knows and understands true joy! It's what comes when you know a prayer has been answered!

(photo by Celia Darrigo)