Daniel 3 - "Just Be Held"

So many people in ministry are being attacked by the enemy because he is scared of what they are capable of doing in the Lord's strength. The enemy does not like the headway made toward the Kingdom. He does not like the way people keep going even when he puts roadblocks in their way. The Lord sure does like perseverance in His people. He blesses it in abundance. I believe sometimes the Lord sits back and watches just to see how determined we are to bless Him. He does not cause bad things to happen to us but He does allow them so we will depend upon Him. He allows them so we will be enabled by His strength. The words to "Just Be Held" come to my mind this morning as I pray for many...

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

Yes! He holds us...He loves on us...but most of all He knows the future. We do not have to worry over anything but instead need to allow Him to take control. Woo hoo! There is freedom in allowing Him to be God. I am praying for some pretty bleak circumstances in many lives..

• The pastor and wife who are moving this weekend and have no help in loading the truck. Not only that but their son who was to drive the truck now has his little boy in the hospital in serious condition.
• The wife who is separated from her husband due to a spiritual/moral fall.
• The wife who is dealing with her husband having a sexual identity crisis.
• The pastor's wife who is distraught over the way the people of the church are not responding to her husband's leadership.
• The pastoral couple seeking His will for the next step in their ministry.
• The pastoral couple who continue to pray for the return of their prodigal.

I also am praying for myself. These last four and a half months since moving to South Carolina have been challenging to say the least. Leaving family and friends, change in finances, going from a church of 100+ with a building to 20 on a 'good' Sunday with no building, having family members in Ohio with serious medical issues...the list goes on and on. But knowing we are in God's will enables us to persevere. If we would have said 'no' to this call, we would still be in our comfort zone but I know we would be miserable. Doc was sharing with me about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had their faith tested yet they stood firm without any guarantee of deliverance. That is what we need to continue to do. When the 'furnace' gets heated seven times hotter, we will stand firm in our faith. 

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for all the ways You protect us and love on us. Thank you for today being a better day physically. Father, I pray for all who are going through 'hotter furnaces' to stand firm in their faith. I pray for people to see their faith and desire it. Lord, fill me to overflowing with more of You so people will see and hear You in me. Thank You Jesus for being My Protector! Amen.