Saturday, February 12, 2011

Blessed In the Rough Times – An Encore Post for Times Like These!


“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” saith the Lord.

Psalm 91:14-16


My son phoned from his internship today with that frantic undertone in his voice. My mother instinct kicked in when I heard his voice. He tried to mask it with a cordial “Hi Mom!” but I knew better. Finally we got to the heart of the matter, he needed money for food and I really don’t have to tell you that it was only several days ago that my paycheck was received and now there is little indication in my account that I was even paid. I honored his request the way most of our parents do and sailed to the convenient branch banking location in my neighborhood supermarket to deposit something in his account.


"Thank you Lord God!"


I chatted with my favorite Bank Teller/Manager and after we discussed favorite travel spots, she too got to the heart of the matter- the words fell from her lips, I am sure unrepentantly, that her husband was returning to the Middle East for his third tour of duty. I learned that after I inquired: “Hadn’t he already been?” My heart sank when she shared a faint smile. This smile belied the apparent truth that her heart was very heavy about her husband's approaching departure date. I promised I’d pray for them.


After leaving the bank/supermarket with a few grocery items that had shot up in price in a week’s time, I just shook my head in amazement. There was one more stop before going home. I drove to my neighborhood Shoe Repair Shop that had not been maintaining their usual business hours. I quickly ran in the shop surprised that the door was ajar and wondered why there had been a sign on the door with the handwritten words Closed for several weeks?


The young proprietor confessed in an apologetic tone that his family was facing difficulty and he now worked elsewhere during the day. He shared that financially they were having difficulty paying their mortgage and his elderly mother now covered the shop. This was a rough patch! Once again I knew well about mortgage woes. But friends what really resonated in my spirit were when the young man said, "But it’s going to be all right I guess!” Without a doubt these are some of the most difficult times that this many people have encountered simultaneously in a while. It feels like more than a pinch, it’s often a strangle hold to stay afloat making a living. Yes, indeed it’s rough-it’s real, it’s personal hardships on an intimate level!


As our elders would utter,” But God!"

"But for the love of God!"
"But for the supernatural provision of God!"
"But for the undeniable grace of God!""
"But for the beauty of God’s word which reminds us that His love never foresakes us!"


Imagine an abiding love for you-his children. A love not predicated on status, religion or pedigree. No matter the personal attacks, innuendos hurled and/or the tumultuous hardships experienced God's wonderful supply of protection, grace and mercy is evident. Daily we can abide under His care: His Lordship! Wouldn’t you agree it’s comforting to realize this? His deliverance and most assuredly His love and shelter will protect us even in the rough places.

Hang on friends and tuck this in your hearts:


“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is [our] my refuge and [our] my fortress [our] my God in who I trust.” Psalm 91:1, 2


Enjoy on :Youtube Tonex and Kirk Franklin -God Has Not Forgot



Peace and God's Abundant Blessings To You,
Linda Mose Meadows, author of:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s and God’s Promises
http://www.blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

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