How many times have we seen this verse? Do we actually believe it? Can we ask God for help and then take our hands off the wheel and let Him do it? Do we ask for prayer and then actually take the time to listen to His response? Do we act in obedience to the response given?
Somebody in our Sunday School class recently said "Do we read what we believe? Or do we believe what we read?" Did you catch that? Do we read and only believe what we already believe (whether true or not) or do we actually take God at His Word and believe what we read? That is a pretty profound statement.
To me, that is true faith.
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed;
blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:29
Have you faced a battle in your life? A loved one who became ill with a serious illness? A financial loss so great you didn't know where your next meal would come from? A child who is far from the Lord despite all the efforts to teach them about Jesus?
What was your prayer to the Lord? What did the Lord speak to you? Did He tell you He would bring you through? Did he say He would provide for you? Did you listen to His voice
I have a bazillion examples of times God spoke to me in relation to a prayer.....but did I truly heed His voice and trust what He said? I remember one time I was asking for healing. I was desperate for immediate relief (that's pretty often). But this one time, He took me to the passage where He told the disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side. A big storm came upon them and they were afraid. They thought they were going to drown. I did too. I did not think I would ever survive what I was going through. I thought death was knocking. Jesus didn't tell his disciples to get in the boat and they would drown. He said get in the boat and go to the other side. God gave them reassurance even before they got in the boat. But when the storm came, they forgot what He had said or they just didn't have the faith to TRUST Him and take Him at His Word! Wow! Ouch! Conviction once again!
I am still not to the other side. I do not know how far until I reach the shoreline. If I truly focus on Jesus, I can see Him on dry land waiting for me. He is cheering me on. He is showing me that there is hope. That He didn't bring me this far to leave me. The storms keep coming. The finances dried up and we don't know what to do. The pain and sleepless nights rage on. But one thing I do know with weak wobbly knees at times, is that He has promised me, I/we will get to the other side. He is faithful. I can trust Him. My heart and flesh may fail at times, but the Lord will never fail me or you! He who began a good work will finish it! You can trust Him. You can read His Word and believe what it says!
Is there a storm in your life that seems to never end? Take a minute to think about it. What has God spoken to you specifically in this situation? Will you hear what He says and Trust Him for the outcome. Will you trust Him to bring you through?
Jehoshaphat was a man that we could heed much wisdom from. At least in 2 Chronicles 20. He knew God intimately enough to know that He could trust Him. He did 3 things that are great life lessons for us!
1. He prayed!
2. He listened for God's still small voice
3. He responded in obedience to what the Lord instructed!
Here's a good prayer paraphrased from some of the verses in 2 Chronicles 20.
v6 Power and might are in your hand Lord and no one can withstand you. v12 We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on YOU.” v15 The Lord will say to me.. ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this difficult circumstance. For the battle is not yours, but Mine, says the Lord. v16 take up your positions dear one; stand firm on My Word and see the deliverance that the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face whatever it is, and the Lord will be with you.’” v18 Stand up and praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. v21 Sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as then go out at the head of this trial saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” v22 As you begin to sing and praise, the Lord will set ambushes against whatever is coming against you and He will lead you into VICTORY! in Jesus mighty name. Amen!
Oh the freedom it brings to one soul when we finally get this. Not that I have arrived, but the light bulb is burning a tad brighter. My confidence in the Lord is increasing. My faith is growing deeper and wider. This is the Good News of Christ!
Psalm 112:7 NIV They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.
How can I pray for you? What can I stand in agreement with you for? Life is difficult for many these days. The world is in chaos. Our country is being led by ungodly leaders and leading us down a pretty dismal path. But God! God is our hope, our refuge and our strong tower.
We do not know what our future holds, but we do know who holds our tomorrow. Author unknown.
Prayers and Praise
1. Ken is getting at least 30-35 hours a week of work. There are a couple of side jobs he may have in the near future. Thankful for his willingness to work 6 days a week if necessary, though its hard on him physically. Painting - up & down ladders, bending over and all that takes a toll on him. His body needs rest. Please pray for his endurance and strength.
2. God has given me a couple days of reprieve (not consecutively) but lesser pain which is tolerable. I am thankful. Covet your ongoing prayers for complete healing!
3. We continue to believe that He will make a way with our finances....everyday expenses, food, rent & utilities. Now that we are not paying for our neighbors electricity (she was attached to our meter for the first 5 months) our electric bill has gone down by $140. Thankful for the living space and peaceful neighborhood we live in.
4. God is quiet on the "destiny property" front.... there was a sense things were shifting.... and they may still be.... but not hearing much. Contending and trusting....as the vision is so needed.
NEED YOUR HELP:
5.. I am FINALLY writing my books again with the help of a good friend. I talk (that's easy) she types and she is getting it proofed and organized. The first book I am writing is about prayer. IF you would please reach out to me, I would love to solicit from you a story about something you prayed for and how God answered it. I will scribe, you talk. Will you do that for me please? The other books will follow....
Hugs, love and prayers.
Ken & Michele Cole
michele@wantinsight.com
michelecole.thrivelife.com - quality freeze dried food - simple to use, quality, non GMO, nutritious & delicious.
Here are ways you can give if you feel led:
1. Non tax deductible donations can be made to:
Ken & Michele Cole, 103 Geneva Ave, Hamilton, MT 59840 (preferable as the options below will tax us)
This is the only way currently we can use funds for our personal needs at this time. or through
Paypal - paypal.me/micheleacole
Venmo- @Michele-Cole-20
Cashapp - cash.app/$micheleacole2019
2. Tax deductible options:
Checks payable to Sonlit Fields, 103 Geneva Ave, Hamilton, MT 59840
This goes into our ministry account to be used for outreach and saving towards our vision.
Donor Fund - The Signatry - Ken & Michele Cole - listed under Want InSight Fund.
7171 W 95th Street, Suite 501, Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone 913 310 0279
www.thesignatry,com
This is an option to keep gifts anonymous - again for outreach and savings toward our vision.
Vision
God has given us a vision to build a retreat property along with ministry equipping center.
The retreat portion of our ministry is to provide a safe place for pastors, lay leaders & other ministry folks to come and be refreshed & encouraged through prophetic ministry (if wanted). We will offer private cabins with kitchens & full bathrooms, and plenty of places to roam on the property to get quiet with the Lord.
We will offer other specialty retreats - marriage, healing, prophetic teaching & activating people into the world & health and wellness retreats and more.
The Lord has graced us with the desire to come alongside the Church - to bring healing, deliverance & freedom to new/newer believers. We are not wanting to replace their church, but better help them be ready to serve in their church.
In our community building - we will eventually have a 24/7 prayer room, healing & prophetic rooms and a place for community worship services for those on the property.
Our passion is to minister to a lost & hurting world. To equip the saints to do the same and to be a blessing to our community and surrounding areas. Our hopes are that we can pour out God's love in a mighty way to bring more and more souls into the Kingdom, get them discipled, called into their purpose & destiny and released to do God's business!!!! We also have a passion to give generously to help those in need and to help others launch into their God given destinies.
