The ground beneath my outstretched body was dry and strong with its earthy scent, my tears moistening the dirt as they fell from my cheeks. A steady wind caused the trees to sway in synchronism, echoing like rushing waters. Caught-up in my agony, I failed to notice the sounds of nature fall silent, succumbing to a shift in the atmosphere as the Lord appeared at my side.

My body tensed and my breath became shallow, as I felt Jesus touch the back of my neck.

“What troubles you, My dear?” the Lord asked, softly sweeping my hair to one side.

“My eyes fail looking for Your promises, Lord.” I answered, face down and frustrated. “How long must I wait?”

A pause in the conversation caused me to lift my eyes toward the Lord for my answer. Standing there was Jesus, full of compassion, majesty radiating around Him.

“I see the depth of your discontentment.” the Lord said, extending His hand. “Now rise to your feet.”

Upon surrendering my will, Jesus touched my hand and set me upright, now face-to-face with my Savior.

“It is never wise to ask why the old days were superior to your current days, for it can quickly provoke your spirit to anger. Be patient while things unfold because the end of a matter is better than its beginning. I AM working in your good days and your bad days, training you to operate simultaneously within the two dimensions of abundance and suffering.”

Humbled by His Grace and Kindness, I whispered softly with my eyes turned down, “Be gracious to me as I am clay in Your hands, Lord.”

Communing with my heart and soothing every part of my wounded soul, I felt pride break within me, and my spirit come alive as I heard these Words of my Lord ring in my ears.

“You are My witness. I have given to you this promised land on which you stand, but you must endure mountains and valleys to take possession. My eyes are continually on you, caring and providing for your needs. Is there any God besides Me? I will accomplish all that I please. For I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Watch for Me, for I am coming soon, and your reward is with Me.”

Comforted by Revelation 22:13; Isaiah 44:8, 28; Deuteronomy 11:11-12; Philippians 4:11; Ecclesiastes 7:8-14; Psalm 119:58, 82-84; Daniel 8:18.

There is a sweet smell in the air as I stand surrounded by creation. Clouds are rolling across the light blue sky, riding the Holy Spirit’s gentle breeze. All creation is in flight, moving to the music of Your heart and swaying to the rhythm of Your Spirit as You sing over me. I am waiting for You Lord: please meet with me to renew a Right Spirit within me.

As the rays broke the horizon, I could feel the warmth of the Son on my skin. The presence of My Savior was strong, consuming every part of me, leaving me breathless.

“Shhh.” said the Lord. “I am right here.”

I sensed the Lord’s arms around me and His breath on the side of my face as He whispered.

“Release everything to Me. I heard you the moment your heart longed for Me, even before you called My name. I feel the desire in your heart.”

“Will You stay here with me, Lord?” I asked, fully absorbed in Jesus’ loving embrace.

Softly resting His cheek against mine, the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ settled deep in my heart.

“I will abide with you forever, as you remain in My love. Afterall, I am the One who chose you. I will respond to the posture of your heart, but always call upon My Name which is far above any other name in heaven and earth. Doing so is not for Me to hear you; for I am already aware. Call upon My Name so everything coming up against you will hear and bow their knee to Me. For I AM God and there is no God besides Me.”

Comforted by John 15; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 51:10, 91:15; Philippians 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:12; Romans 14:11; Isaiah 45:20-23, 54:17.

I woke up a prisoner inside my own mind, held captive by a vortex spinning up at the collision of two fronts advancing upon my soul.

“It takes two opposing forces for a storm to develop.” said the Lord. “In My realm, Love is the greatest active Power which never fails, unless you introduce another force into the mix.”

Jesus’ statement left me unsettled, already aware that I had interjected fear into my equation.

“You are asking me to move in a direction that feels risky, and it scares me, Lord.” I responded, embarrassed at my weakness.

Drawn to that same weakness, Jesus moved close to me, taking my hand in His. “Fear is torment and if you allow its strength to become the dominant force, it will fuel a disturbance in your heart.”

Grasping my other hand, Jesus pulled me closer as He continued speaking. “You are either going to trust in My perfect faithful love for you, or you will allow fear to be the object of your faith. I am always working toward your best interests, but you control which force will have the greater influence over you.”

I stood silent before my Lord, keenly aware of my unworthiness, yet fully alive in my Savior’s consuming Love.

“In the middle of the storm, I will approach with your solution. Watch with eyes of faith so you can recognize Me. Do not fear your next move. Whether you take the risk and step outside the boat, or whether you remain inside the boat, I will not leave you. I can work from either vantage point, but fear will sink you.”

“You have always been faithful and gracious to me, even when my heart stumbles, Lord. I will trust you with my whole heart, for You are Love.” I confessed.

Kissing my hands, Jesus started to move back from me. “What I am doing is obscure to you, but you will soon understand.”

Our eyes still locked upon each other; the Lord’s voice rang throughout the room as He disappeared out of sight. “No force is greater than I AM, for all power in heaven and earth has been given to Me. Nothing can separate you from My Love. Call upon My name to summon My Power and I will show you My Strength.”

Comforted by 1 Corinthians 13:1,8,13; 1 John 4:8,18; Romans 8:28,10:13; John 13:7; Luke 8:24; Matthew 14:26, 28:18; Exodus 3:14.

Here I sit in the waiting room of life, stuck between what was and what is to come. Nothing seems to be happening in this place of suspension. An area filled with people while feeling strangely alone.

“It is more like a staging area than a waiting room.” said the Lord.

“A staging area?” I asked, my question laced with dissatisfaction and fueled with restless aspiration.

“It feels lonely here.” I continued with my complaint.

“You are not sitting alone.” said the Lord. “I am always in the waiting room with you, and it is crucial for you to find Me here. Draw near to Me while in this place.”

The warning of His Words rang in my ears as I was looking around the room but did not see Jesus. I did, however, recognize His voice. “A fearful heart will make it difficult to see Me and it will cause a hindrance for the race that I am placing before you.”

Addressing the anxious state of my heart, I began to see the Lord moving toward me from across the room. My entire being was seized by His presence, only to be released as I felt His touch upon my hand. “Quietly wait on Me to renew your strength. I will do the renewing as you abide in My presence. Put your hope in My promises which are waiting for you at their appointed time in the future.”

Jesus continued as He gently clutched my hands in His. “This location is where I assemble and ready my people for their next mission. It may appear suspended, but it is highly active. You cannot fathom what I have done from beginning to end, for I have set eternity in your heart. Wait for My instruction.”

My heart now filled with anticipation, I replied. “I would faint in this place, if I did not trust in Your Goodness, Lord. I will wait and hope in Your Word.”

“Stand and do not faint.” said the Lord. “Watch and see this great thing that I will do before your eyes. Wait for it because it will surely come. It will not tarry.”

Comforted by Habakkuk 2:3; Hebrews 12:1-2; Acts 3:19; Isaiah 40:31; Luke 18:19; Matthew 14:24-27; Lamentations 3:26; James 4:8; 1 Samuel 12:16; Psalm 27:13; Deuteronomy 31:6-8.