The forest outside my window disappeared within a thick blanket of bluish gray fog, revealing only the first row of trees. I know this landscape well, but it left me wondering what might be hiding behind the wall of haze.

“Have you placed a veil between us?” asked the Lord.

Surprised by the question, I turned to find Jesus walking along the back of the room, looking down as though He was searching for something.

“No, Lord.” I quickly answered. “The veil that divided us was torn when You died on the cross and rose to Glory.”

“Yes, I destroyed that veil.” the Lord confirmed. “But you can fabricate another partition on your own.”

As my Savior moved toward me, I realized He was waiting for me to search my heart. Hesitating, knowing full well what was clouding my view, I released a heavy sigh of defeat. Slowly shaking my head side-to-side, I inhaled deeply as if to invoke a thread of courage.

“It is fear, Lord.” Drawing comfort from His loving eyes, I confessed. “I allowed fear to come between us.”

Jesus swept the hair across my face, kissing my forehead, like a mother who cherishes her newborn. “There will be many times when the uncertainties of life will be conducted from within a fog bank. Remember to use the Spiritual eyes I have given to you, keeping them focused on Me. Do not fear. Do not doubt, for I am only one breath away.”

The Lord’s Words sparked something inside me, causing my fear to fade. The fog outside was lifting, beams of light streaming through the mist with a rainbow of colors bouncing off the particles. Smiling at the beauty, I turned to share in the moment with Jesus.

Saddened to find the room empty, it began to fill with Light as the Lord’s voice rang out.

“Fear not, My child. For I know when you seek Me. I will always come to you in the storms of your life, when you call upon My name.”

Comforted by Psalm 44:21; John 8:12; Mark 15:28; Ephesians 2:13-14; Matthew 14:22-32, 15:16, 28:5; Deuteronomy 20:8

I began to realize that God was doing a work in my husband’s spirit. An invisible, internal work with an eternal preparation.

Lamenting his ailing condition, I cried out to the Lord with a question, but was immediately filled with fear for the answer.

“Are You preparing my husband for something?”

“I am preparing you both for My plans.” said the Lord. “Your husband’s earthly tent is wasting away. He is burdened on many levels.”

Already laden with responsibility, my request seemed to come across with a tinge of pleading. “Give me grace to be strong in the care and advocacy for my husband. Enable me to be a wise and noble woman as I conduct the affairs of our household.”

Feeling Jesus’ hands on my shoulders, I looked up into my Savior’s eyes. His voice was soft like a whisper. “The time for care is drawing to a close. Your husband’s spirit is groaning and desires to be clothed with his eternal house in heaven, but his heart is still earth-bound with you, My dear. It is time to release him to Me.”

I fell to the floor weeping with the thought of losing my husband.

Jesus knelt down, meeting me in my pain. “Your sacrifice is sweet to Me and your tears dampen My feet like ointment. I see your great love, but your work on earth is not yet finished.”

The Lord continued as He slowly stood to His feet. “Be confident and do not lose heart. I have been preparing you inwardly, fashioned with intent for a future purpose at an appointed time.”

My heart leaped as the Lord’s voice rang over me. “You are an eternal crown of splendor in My hand, whose value is far greater than rubies. I will exchange these ashes for beauty. Rise up, My virtuous woman.”

Comforted by Isaiah 61:3; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Proverbs 31:10, 27; Luke 7:36-50; Isaiah 62:3; Philippians 4:18; Ezra 6:10

As I stare into the woods with a blank gaze, I feel hope drain from my heart. Illusive hope, appearing just out of reach, blocked by circumstances. My dreams are becoming faint images, no longer recognizable. Are You schooling me in hope, Lord?

“There is purpose in your suffering.” the Lord said, sitting down next to me. “Be confident that your faith will produce a substance, proving your expectation of Me.  Allow your suffering to fertilize the buried seeds of faith, putting your flesh to death, and quickening your spirit.”

My raw thoughts revealed themselves before I could stop my tongue. “I don’t see any seeds. Just dust.”

Jesus put his arm around me, pulling me close, fully understanding the tender state of my heart. “Patiently wait for what you cannot see: because no one hopes for what they can already see.”

Pausing, giving me time to ponder His Words, Jesus continued. “Suffering confirms your spiritual knowledge and power and thoroughly completes the work I am doing in you. It will cause you to resolutely turn in My direction, producing a substructure that will support your foundation and join us perfectly together.”

The thought of being perfectly joined to my Lord, made my heart skip a beat. I felt a glimmer within my soul. Resting my head on His shoulder, I tried to soak up all His love and compassion for what might lie ahead. Feeling a little anxious, I asked, “How long should I expect to be in this state, Lord?”

“You will suffer a little while.” Jesus explained. “Hope in Me, for I am your portion. You will abound in Hope as I fill you with joy and peace. At the appointed time, I will lift you above the suffering and bring you restoration. Humble yourself and trust Me. I am your Messiah. I will deliver you from this trial and exalt you in due time.”

Jesus turned to face me: I lost myself in His eyes.

“I am the Anchor of your soul. Wait patiently and bend to My redemptive time.”

Comforted by Hebrews 6:19; 11:1; Lamentations 3:24; Romans 8:24-25; 15:13; 1 Peter 3:18; 5:6-10; Philippians 1:29

The ground below my feet feels unstable, as I attempt to scale this mountain in my life. I am immobilized as I look out over the pinnacle with its avalanche of loose gravel, trying to negotiate my first step, Lord.

“You see unrestrained rocks, but those are chiseled pieces from the obstacle blocking your path.” said the Lord. “I went before you, chipping a path across the ridge to prepare the Way for your steps. I am your tether, give me your hand and keep your eyes on Me.”

Moving my foot side-to-side across the ground, pieces of rock fell from the cliff and out of sight. Looking up, I said to Jesus, “I am certain that my demise awaits my move.”

His eyes fixed upon me; the Lord responded with a firm tone. “Things are not what they appear. You will either convince yourself of an insurmountable lie, or you will trust the Words I speak to you. You are safe in My hands, but it will be your decision whether or not to move forward.”

Jesus stood there, never lowering His hand as I pondered His Words, hesitation gripping my heart.

“I am the Living Stone, building you into a spiritual house.” Jesus continued, diverting my attention back to Him. “That obstacle in your path? It is you. You are the obstacle. Yield to the good work that I am doing in your life, sculpting you into a perfect image of Me. You are My living stone, chosen by God and precious to Him.”

Fear was fighting me on every side, but the Author of my faith was standing on the edge of the rockslide with His hand outstretched, waiting for me.

Inhaling deeply as if it was my last breath, I leaned forward reaching for Jesus’ hand. Courage flooded my soul when I felt His strong and steady grip as He pulled me toward Him. With the forward momentum, I took that crucial step of faith, my foot landing hard upon the loose gravel. To my delight, it was instead, solid ground.

Comforted by Hebrews 12:2; Jeremiah 23:29; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 85:13; 1 Peter 2:4; Numbers 13:31; Psalm 37:23; Psalm 40:2; John 14:6

Why am I troubled by the cares of this world, flinching at the “what ifs” and the unknowns? The enemies of my mind are emboldened by my weakened state. Giants whose names are Worry and Fear are crouching at the door.

“You have no need to fear those giants.” said the Lord. “They may seem bigger than you, but I have given you authority to tread over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Frustrated with my lack of bravery, I continued confessing my disappointments to the Lord. “Fear waves its fruit in front of my eyes; confusing my senses, seducing me to take the bait. The next thing I know, I am holding the apple and flooded with fear.”

Turning to catch my eyes, the Lord said with a commanding voice, “Then drop the fruit and speak My name.”

I stood there staring at the face of my Savior, His Words still ringing in my ears, piercing my heart. The room fell silent. Jesus moved toward me, taking my hand. “At the sound of My name, your spiritual enemies will draw back and fall to the ground. They have no power over you, except what you allow.”

The Lord’s presence electrified the room, filling me with profound courage. “What must I do, Lord?”

“You are already saturated with My Spirit of Power, Love, and a sound mind. However, you must put on the full armor of God so you can stand your ground, which they will try and steal from you. They are waiting for the right moment when your guard is down.”

Taking my other hand in His, Jesus continued, “In the spiritual realm, I have prepared a table before you, which contains everything you need to be victorious in battles. Your enemies were present at that ceremony, watching Me anoint your head with oil. They know who you are, to whom you belong, and the authority you carry in My name. Do not give the devil a foothold. They are counting on you being deceived and walking away from Me.”

Grasping my head in both hands, mortified at the mere possibility, I proclaimed, “Oh no, Lord. I will drop the apple and call upon Your Holy name.”

Looking up to gain reassurance from my Savior, the room was found empty, but my courage remained.

Comforted by Genesis 3:1-7; Deuteronomy 20:1-4; John 18:4-5; Psalm 23:5; Ephesians 6:10-18; Ephesians 4:27; 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 10:17-20

I always thought myself to be mentally and emotionally strong. But I now see a deep vein of fragility running through me, like a hairline crack waiting to bust-open under applied pressure, Lord.

“You are My delicate porcelain treasure, fashioned by My fine workmanship, but you are not frail.” said the Lord.

Pondering His Words, I felt something worrisome inside me. “I am concerned this weakness will cause me to fail and become ineffective in the purposes You have for me, Lord.”

Moving toward me, the Lord placed His hands on my shoulders continuing to comfort me. “I know you feel hard-pressed on every side, but you will not be crushed. I hold you strong by My Power which far exceeds any other authority or force. With Me, all things are possible.”

Staring at the floor with my head lowered, the real fear was rising in my heart when I confessed, “Will I still be pleasing to You, even with this flaw that hinders me?”

“Oh, My love.” Jesus said softly as He lifted my chin, looking into my tear-filled eyes. “I sacrificed Myself so you can be whiter than snow; flawless, blemish free in your spirit.”

Taking both my hands, lightly kissing the back of my right hand, Jesus continued. “I am not finished with you. You are still clay in My hands, an unfinished piece of pottery. I use the fiery trials of this world to add layers of gorgeous detail to your original clay vessel. Each time you are re-fired in the world’s kiln, irreversible changes take place within you, increasing your strength and endurance, softly blended with a meek and quiet spirit.”

Jesus paused, tenderly caressing my palms. “My hands are mighty, but My touch is gentle as I transform you into a vessel of honor crafted for a specific purpose, both beautiful and functional. Do not lose heart, for I am renewing you inwardly day-by-day.”

I was spellbound by the Lord’s gentle but fiery eyes as He concluded with these Words. “You are not a disappointment to Me. You are, in fact, My crowning glory.”

Comforted by 1 Peter 3:4, 5:4; Luke 18:27; 2 Corinthians 4:7, 16-18; Isaiah 64:8; Song of Solomon 4:7; Ephesians 2:10, 5:27; Psalm 51:7; and 2 Samuel 22:33

It is rare to have one person in your life who will love you in spite of your shortcomings and who will fight to keep your heart from harm. My cup runs over because You blessed me with two people who filled me with such love and acceptance. But in their absence, I am left sitting in a void that leaves me longing for what was. A longing to belong; to be loved and accepted; to be seen and fully known. Who will see me now, Lord?

“I understand the longing in your heart because I put it there.” Jesus explained.

I turned toward the sound of my Savior’s voice as He continued, “I created you with a deep longing in your soul, along with a need to be loved. Love is the most powerful element in the universe, so the perceived absence of it will seem immense. The combination of love and longing was designed to produce a strong desire within you to seek Me with all your heart, because I am Love.”

“I miss their human presence and their gentle strength in my life. Each day finds hidden sorrow within my heart.” I replied.

“Will you let Me fill those voids for you?” asked the Lord. “I also am longing for love.”

Captivated by the vulnerability of the Son of God, my heart clung to every Word as He continued, “My eyes constantly scan throughout all of My creation looking for that one person whose heart is committed to Me. My eyes have landed on you, My beloved. Let me fill your heart with My Love and Goodness. Let Me show you My strength.”

He paused. I held my breath. My eyes fixed upon Jesus, filled with tears as I heard His next words.

“I see you. Do you see Me?”

Comforted by 1 John 4:16,19; John 3:16, 15:5, 17:23; Psalm 107:9; Jeremiah 29:13; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Mark 1:1; Genesis 16:13; Matthew 5:8

Today, I have no fight left in my limbs. My energy is spent from fighting these daily battles. I just want to give up and raise my white flag. Continuing to ponder that idea, sitting in my frustration, I wondered what a day with no problems would actually look like.

Riding the waves of that thought, a voice entered my mind saying, “You do not deserve this trouble. Why not just escape from all this misery?”

The voice was familiar, but it was not my own thought.

The tongue of the Tempter continued, “Let me ease your pain. I can keep you out of this blazing furnace, just bow to my god of easy.”

Shaking my head and snapping-to-attention, I protested out loud, “No. I will not take what you are offering. My Lord has told me that I will have trouble in this world, but He will give me strength to push through, delivering me from all my distresses. Jesus will hold me strong and that is what I will stand on.”

The spiritual tension in the room was wrapped with a heavy blanket of silence when I suddenly felt the Lord’s presence behind me. His authoritative voice split the air commanding attention. “This woman belongs to Me and she has claimed My Name. Now leave.” The Deceiver vanished upon the Lord’s charge, the oppression leaving with him.

Turning to face my Savior, I threw myself into His arms, leaning on His love and faithfulness. Gently resting His hand on the back of my neck, Jesus softly whispered in my ear, “You are valiant, My darling: worth far more than rubies.”

“I do not feel valiant, Lord. My weakness began to overtake my true desire.” I confessed.

“Your adversary the devil will always be tempting you to worship his golden images, that take on many different forms, trying to lure you away from Me. But when your flesh and heart fail, My strength prevails. I am forever your portion of strength.” said the Lord.

Pulling me away from our embrace to look into my eyes, Jesus continued, “Do not try to escape the troubles that come your way, because I am using them to strengthen your foundation. You are being groomed to abide in Me and remain faithful to your calling. Avoiding the blazing furnace, means you by-pass the trying of your faith, which is more precious than gold. Each trial builds your spiritual muscle and if you avoid what is in front of you, the next difficulty will be harder to endure. I am training your hands for war and your fingers for battle. The devil will flee when you resist him and surrender to Me.”

“You are Good, Lord, and I will sing aloud of Your Mercy and Power. You have been my defense and refuge in the days of my troubles, and I delight in Your commandments. Give me strength to endure the blazing furnace so those watching will see the Angel of the Lord standing in the midst of the flames, ensuring no harm is brought to me.”

Comforted by 2 Corinthians 11:3; Matthew 4:3; Psalm 119:143; Psalm 37:39; Psalm 107:13,19; Daniel 3:13-30; Psalm 73:26; Proverbs 31:10; Psalm 144:1; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Revelation 20:10; 1 Peter 5:8; John 16:33; James 4:7

As I watch the sun break the horizon, quietly announcing its arrival, I wonder what today has to offer. Moving away from the windows, still lost in my thoughts, my words broke the silence, “I sense a change coming, Lord.”

“Nothing in My creation remains unchanged.” The Lord replied as He moved toward me, hearing the concern in my voice.

“Small changes I can handle, but life-altering events blind me to the familiar things that bring me comfort.” I confessed, feeling embarrassed.

Placing His hand under my chin, Jesus gently raised my head, wiping the tears from my cheek. “Keep your eyes focused on Me, the familiar Rock in your life. You know Me. I have never changed, and I never will. In the midst of continual chaos, I AM your one constant. I will not leave you nor allow you to be shaken as the world shifts around you.”

Pulling me close to rest my head on His chest, the Lord continued, “I am the bright Morning Star that will return for you. My plan is unfolding, and you are at the center of that plan. Every morning is a reminder for you to watch, for time ticks to My specific tempo, creating the pace to reveal My plan. Stay close, for I will return soon.”

Opening my eyes, I found the room empty. Whispering, I said, “I am watching and praying. Come quickly, my Lord!”

Comforted by Malachi 3:6; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Exodus 3:14; Hebrews 13:5,8; John 10:14; Mark 13:32-36; Revelations 22:20-21; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 55:22

My life feels like an unfinished piece of artwork, Lord. A canvas propped up on its easel, yet set aside: full of potential, but colorless as I wait for the Artisan’s touch.

“I have not set you aside.” said the Lord. “On the contrary, for you are a work in progress. I am dry brushing tangles of deception from your mind and blotting out misdeeds which will interfere with your experiences of Me. I am preparing you to receive the colors of your calling.”

Hanging my head, I responded, “I do not want anything to stand between You and me.”

Knowing the real concern in my heart, the Lord moved toward me. Lifting my chin to meet His eyes, Jesus said, “Nothing and no one can separate you from My love. Before I formed the worlds, I knew you. Your name has always been on My lips, even speaking to you while in your mother’s womb. I know you well, and I will finish what I started in you.”

Pausing long enough to let His Truth take hold, I confessed, “When I am quiet, I can sense Your gentle brush strokes applying watercolors to the fabric of my soul.”

“Yes, and not just any palette.” the Lord explained. “I have carefully selected the colors that are displayed on your banner. These pigments have been blended with the vapor of My breath, mixed with My power, and washed over you. You are My masterpiece, and your final unveiling is yet to come, My darling.”

“I am humbled by Your lovingkindness and mercy, Lord. Help me to stand firm in Your love as You complete Your work in me. I have put my hope in You and will rejoice in Your salvation as my colorful banner flies in Your name.”

Comforted by Isaiah 49:1; Psalm 51:1, 139:13-16, 20:5; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; Song of Solomon 2:4; Philippians 1:6; Revelations 4:11