This photo is a perfect reflection of a monumental situation which requires an immediate change of direction. There are times when God allows the rock to fall. Could it be as protection from what is on the other side? Could it be a BIG sign for those of us who are a bit slow to know God’s will? Or perhaps Satan has reared his ugly head and has created the chaos and the Good Lord will simply guide us through the detour and the storm.
Rewarding and Challenging
Caregiving for the disabled is rewarding and challenging. Certain protections are in place to protect the vulnerable disabled person from abuse from their caregiver. When the disabled person hugs you and thanks you for taking them on an adventure or thanks you for attending a special event on your own time, it makes it all worthwhile. When they say you are the best caregiver they have ever had because you listen and are kind and care, it confirms a God-ordained purpose.
Rights Yet No Consequences
The rights of the disabled allow them freedom of choice when they are their own guardian. While they would not be able to pass a competency exam (which is one of the reasons they require round the clock care and supervision), they have the right to make all their own decisions. If the person wants to eat themselves into a diabetic coma, it is their right. If the person wants to go to a strip club and get drunk, the caregiver has to accompany and then literally clean up the mess which results. The disabled person can cuss at the caregiver and call them every name in the book every day multiple times per day. They can be abusive both verbally and physically and threaten to report the caregiver to their team if they don’t like what the caregiver is doing. There are no imposed consequences for the behavior of the disabled client as this will infringe on their human rights. There are however serious consequences for the caregiver for any perceived mis-step.
Watch For Falling Rocks
God allowed a huge boulder to be placed in my path and there are choices to make. I am shook and I reached out to my circle. This group of people love me. They have encouraged me in the face of this storm. Everyone dropped what they were doing to respond when I reached out. Rather than dwell on the inequity of the situation at hand, I would rather praise the Lord who is in charge of it all. My faith is in Him. I know He is working on a plan. When I heard from various people, I see everyone is fighting a battle. Chaos is everywhere. In these times of trouble, we must hold on to a strong foundation. My friends and family especially my church family have reminded me of God’s truths. Each person sent something that gave me a thought to occupy my mind while I was unable to sleep and while waiting for God to act. May these words be a comfort to you as you go through your storm, whatever it may be.
Comfort and Good Will
This is from my friend Texas Stready in Florida who allowed God to transform her from a life of drug addiction to a powerful warrior for the Kingdom. “And I say to you stand up in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are a citizen of the kingdom of heaven and you cannot be trampled. God is a lover of justice. And even when we don’t deserve it His favor surrounds us. I speak the favor and justice of the King of Israel over this situation. Your response is critical in this matter. You must choose to trust that God is in control and doing what is best. Who cares about the rest of them and their silly accusations. No need to worry about how it will turn out because no matter how it turns out you are safe in the arms of your Savior. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. I stand with you my friend in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. May your heart be filled with confidence and cheer this evening, as you forge a head on the path that God has prepared for you.”
This is from my pastor. “Your life is forming a beautiful tapestry that brings great glory to the Lord and encouragement to your brothers and sisters. Your humility is touching and your surrendered life is inspiring. You are our sister and we promise to love you, care for you, and never leave or forsake you. And even if we fail, Jesus will not fail you! You have His word on it!”
From missionary friends in Australia and Uganda “praying for you now.”
I had numerous phone call discussions and I told two people that when this happened I felt so calm and so sure the Lord had it all planned out. I trust him completely. If I stay or if I go it will be His will for me. I have a journal I have written significant God events in over 6 years. Every time I get to the end of a section, I know something big is around the corner. I opened it to write about this event only to find I was at the start of a new chapter that says “in a person’s heart she plans her course but God determines her steps.” One friend said it was prophetic and the other said “God is so big and so good He has you in the palm of His hand. God does determine the steps. I know you are his precious child and He has you. I am always here for you and I value you more than you’ll ever know. Stay strong in Him.”
Another friend sent texts that said “Remember you will not be scorched by the fire (neither will a flame kindle upon you.) No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgement you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is from me.” Says the Lord.
From our church matriarch “Polly, I have been reading about the “suddenlies” of the Lord, My prayer is for that ideal job come to you suddenly as it should to a faithful servant. Love you.”
And in the middle of the night when I could not sleep, worried about my livelihood as a single person and trying to avoid the “what if’s” and the dread and worry of what was to come, I reflect on the words of my dear friend Sharon as she cautioned me about these fiery darts from the enemy. She reminded me that God knows my needs and she is dancing with excitement to see what the Lord will do next. I read about the “suddenlies” of God. The dictionary defines “suddenly” as without warning, abruptly or quickly. The “suddenlies” of God appear 44 times in the Word of God. The “suddenlies” are divine in nature and usually preceded with an angelic appearance and sometimes an announcement for an event or arrival at a certain place or certain time. I can certainly feel that God has surrounded me with angels. My friend Sherri said “you are certainly due for an upgrade and when things are shaking and appear to be falling apart, the Lord is working on bringing forth His plan.”
As I researched “suddenlies” when I could not sleep, I saw this commentary. “There are things that He has spoken to your soul and dreams He has put in your heart that you have not seen come to fruition. There are things that you know are in the will of God but you can’t understand why they haven’t come to pass yet. He is going to do it quicker than you thought. This means He is not going to do it by your ingenuity or by your works but rather by His righteousness. Some of you have gone through struggles, fought battles, stood toe to toe and nose to nose with strong demons for many years. You have been battling, yet you are still holding on to the promises of God. It has been a long night and a weary journey. You are so burdened and so belabored that you have lost the expectancy that our God can move swiftly and suddenly. Don’t lose courage and don’t lose hope because God is about to rise up and do a fast and speedy, sudden thing. He is the author and finisher of your faith. What God has started in you, He will finish. You need to wait on God to bring it forth in righteousness.” Pastor John Kilpatrick consumingfire.com.
I continue to receive phone calls, texts, encouragement in Facebook messages and huge amounts of prayer. How vital and life changing these messages and prayers are especially when waiting for God to move. When someone is hurting, take a moment to send a word of hope. I would have never received all this if I had not had the courage to reach out and expose my vulnerability. No one knows of the struggle or a need if you do not tell them. Don’t go it alone. Reach out and then reach back. And surround yourself with really good people.
Our worship leader sent a song that she is preparing for Sunday.
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
SOVEREIGN OVER US
There is strength within the sorrow
There is beauty in our tears
And You meet us in our mourning
With a love that casts out fear
You are working in our waiting
You’re sanctifying us
When beyond our understanding
You’re teaching us to trust
Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
You’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us
You are wisdom unimagined
Who could understand Your ways
Reigning high above the Heavens
Reaching down in endless grace
You’re the lifter of the lowly
Compassionate and kind
You surround and You uphold me
And Your promises are my delight
Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
You’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us
Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
You’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us
Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good
You turn it for our good and for Your glory
Even in the valley, You are faithful
You’re working for our good
You’re working for our good and for Your glory
Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good
You turn it for our good and for Your glory
Even in the valley, You are faithful
You’re working for our good
You’re working for our good and for Your glory
Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You’re with us in the fire and the flood
You’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us
You’re faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us
Songwriters: Aaron Keyes / Bryan Brown / Jack Mooring