Thursday, May 2, 2024

Don't Give Up!

 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20 

Are you going through a long difficult season?  Are you weary beyond weary?  Do you wonder if God will ever bring you through your circumstances?  Are you wavering in any hope for things to change?    

If you answered yes to these questions, you are NOT alone!  Wave after wave, people in the body of Christ are being pummeled.   Some have health issues that look dire.  Some like me deal with chronic pain that is so intense it makes me cry often.  Some have wayward children that are so far from God, it seems impossible they'll ever know the Lord.  Some have crushing financial burdens wondering how they will pay their bills or buy groceries. It seems like all of hell has been unleashed on those who are sold out to the Lord.   There are so many reasons I could go on an on.   

My heart aches.  I have great compassion and use that as a fragrant offering of intercession.   Today a friend of mine sent me this over Facebook.  I have NOT talked to her in years.  

 The Lord clearly told me to pray for you out of my own need. Like, lay down my own need and pray for your healing. So I believe with all my heart it will be finished. Hi there! I’ve been following your updates and praying for you. Intentionally, not just saying it! I sensed to say to you today “you will live and not die, and may the curse that is over you be broken in Jesus name. May the stone roll away providing a resurrected life you have ever known. I care about you

This was probably the most kind thing someone could do for me.  This is the kindest thing we could do for others.   Many are on the verge of giving up.  Many are on the verge of suicide.  Many are at wit's end.   Only God is the answer and God doesn't seem to mind the length of time it's taking.  

I'm back in the book of Job and I felt the Lord said take a deep dive into it.  I've only just started but it's a book of the Bible I relate to and have read numerous times.   I feel the Lord is already speaking to me and wants me to bring a message of hope through it.  

In just the first few chapters..... we find that the Lord spoke to Satan himself and said have you seen my servant Job??   The Lord volunteered Job to be attacked.  That goes against many peoples theology.   Next, Job's wife has already told him to curse God.   Isn't that just like the enemy to use someone we know to have us turn against God.   The enemy has been studying us for a long time.  He has so many tricks up his sleeve to keep us discouraged, hopeless and ready to give up.  Believe me, I know firsthand.  

 I have been going through the most intense mental and physical battle recently.  The pain levels are over the top.  I described it to a friend this way.  Picture this - someone is standing in front of you inches from your face and they are screaming at the top of their lungs at you.  Would you be able to focus on anything else other than their screaming?   That's how intense the pain is.  It's screaming!!!!  It's consuming and I hate it!   Chapter 3 of Job talks about how he wished he was never born.  He didn't curse God.    Have you felt that way?   Me too! 

When we are going through excruciating or painful circumstances, it's easy to blame God. It's easy to say where are you God?  Why are you not taking this away?  Why did this happen, yada yada yada!    It's easy to give up!   It's easy to want life to end!  (That's not the answer)  

God's ways are not ours - that's for sure!   His timing is not ours either!  We don't understand the why's and how come's.   But He does.  His purpose is far greater than what we could even imagine.  We don't have any clue the depth of faith He is growing in us, or the ability to reach someone and minister to them because of what we are or have gone through.  We do not know the impact our lives are making to those around us.  People are watching us whether we realize it or not.   People are seeing Jesus or they are not.   Are we going to allow the storms of this life to make us bitter or better?  Are we going to trust God when we don't understand? 

What our part is, in my opinion, is to go deeper in the Lord. To seek Jesus, not His hand. (That's hard).   Our part is to STAND on His promises and know that HE is a good God!  

Our part is to love others where they are.  Not necessarily advice but just sit with them, lend an ear, lend a shoulder to cry on.  Pray for them. Reach out to them and let them know God is right there with them.  He hasn't forgotten you or me.   He's in the midst of it all.  

This past week - not only did I have the friend mentioned above, but I had another reach out to me to recommend someone to do ministry with me.  I think they were concerned I'd say no.... but instead I jumped all over it and am scheduled.   I had two different prayer ministries CALL me to pray over the phone.   God knows where I'm at.  Barely hanging on but still I am.   He knows where you are at and He knows what you need.   These little things has given me some hope to hold on - and the fortitude to keep moving forward.  

Let's be LOVE and KINDNESS to those around us!   Let's show mercy and grace and help people overcome.  You have NO idea the BATTLE they are in.   If there is someone you can reach out to, share some of your time, talent, treasure or touch, please do!  Don't delay!  Their life may depend on YOU and your obedience.  

And one thing for sure - God is NOT wasting this time.  He has great plans for each of us and He is and will continue to use us to reach a lost and hurting world.   There is a greater purpose in ALL of this!   Remember the end of the book of Job - He was rewarded and given greater!   We will be too! 

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.  2 Chronicles 15:7 

Father, I pray in the name of Jesus for ALL who are going through difficult times.  I ask that Your mighty hand be upon their life.  I speak hope and courage and strength to persevere, but moreso I pray your mercy and grace will overtake their circumstances.  I speak life, healing and wholeness to all who need a touch.  I speak your divine provision for those with financial needs.  I pray that you would change the trajectory of their lives with just one word from your lips.  God come show up and show off.  Let the world know that YOU are their God.  We pray in the  name of Jesus!  Amen 


Prayer points - 

I am still looking for work - from home and/or an increase in my Thrive Life business.   Due to the intense pain from plantar fasciitis and the back pain, working outside the home is becoming more difficult.  I've applied everywhere and yet no open doors (yet).    God has always been faithful to bring me the work He knows I can do.    I  wish I could qualify for disability, but unsure. I've applied and have been denied as I haven't "worked" enough in the last 15 years.  We are trusting Him for our daily provision and needs.      Pray for my healing!   

So appreciate you all.  Thank you for your continued love and prayers.   And I am here if you need prayer.  Reach out! 

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.   I am looking for people who might want to host a Tasting Party - you can earn free food without even spending anything.  

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.