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Thursday, April 26
Harried from too many tasks on her day’s schedule, she
stumbled into bed, falling asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.
Rising in the morning, she had a strange feeling something wasn’t
right, but she could not put her finger on it. Dismissing it, she hurriedly
dressed and mumbled a few quick prayers.
With four kids, one husband, a slew of pets, and a busy calendar,
she had plenty to do each day.
Throughout her day, thoughts of her weaknesses filled her
head:
I wish I could handle
my time better.
I wish I had more
strength to meet all the challenges that pop up every day.
Why can’t I forgive my
best friend?
I wish I had more
patience with the children.
I wish I had more joy
and love.
Why can’t I ever be at
peace?
I wish I knew how to
handle my in-laws.
I don’t understand why
I’m so agitated with my husband.
I wish I knew what to
do about...
The thoughts hounded her all day. As she trudged through
each hour mumbling her wish list, the uncomfortable feeling that something was
wrong hung over her head like a black shroud.
Late that afternoon, she died. Upon entering heaven, she
stood before Jesus Who greeted her with open arms. After falling at His feet,
she felt His loving hand on her shoulder.
Helping her up, He took her hand and said, “Come with Me.”
“Where are we going?”
“I want to show you something.”
He led her to a beautiful building. Entering, they strolled
down a long, endless hallway with innumerable doors on each side. Each door had
a wooden plaque on it engraved with someone’s name. Jesus stopped at the door
with her name on it and opened the door.
To her amazement, she saw row after row of stacked boxes, piled
higher than she could see. Each box was stamped with a date of her life. She
noticed that a few dates were missing.
“What...”
Jesus interrupted her. Knowing her unspoken questions, He
answered, “Each box contains the necessities you needed for each day of your
life, but you rarely claimed them. All you needed – strength, power, love, joy,
patience, guidance – they were here all along.
“My Father and I would have given you everything that was
missing, but you did not believe you could receive from Us. All was planned for
you in advance of your need. If only you would have believed, you would have
received and your days would have gone much smoother.
“A mother has many needs throughout her day. Most of all,
she needs someone who knows her struggles, her frustrations, her weaknesses,
and her tears. And that one is Me. I would be all to a wanting mother’s heart,
filling her every need and every desire.
“If mothers would only call on Me more often, I would soothe
their hearts and gladly fill them with My love, joy, peace, and patience. But
they must come to Me and claim My help, otherwise the answers sit on the shelf,
just as you see here.
“Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would
believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God?”*
She awoke. Dazed, she shook her head as if that would help
to clear it. I’ve been dreaming. It was
all a dream! But it was so real.
In the early hours of the morning while still dark and the
family slept, she went straight to her Bible and spent time with the Lord. As
the sun birthed the day, the family arose and the daily schedule rolled on.
She went about all her chores with the Scripture echoing in
her heart and mind, “Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would
believe...”* She praised the Lord, claiming all He had for her every need.
“For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in
prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you
will [get it].” (Mark 11:24 Amp)
*John 11:40 Amplified
I needed this today, dear lady. Thank you.
Oh, so glad, sweetie! I think I need it, too! Saying a prayer for you. Bless you!
Good reminder that without time spent deep in His Word and talking with him, the rest of our time will be a bigger struggle. I look forward to my morning devotions (and coffee). Without them I am lost. Beautifully written, Lynn.
Ceci, thank you! You are always so sweet to me! Bless you! <3