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