"For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him!" Isaiah 64:4

As I was out walking one morning last month I suddenly noticedrays of sunlight penetrating through cloud formations and streaking down to the earth. While I admired the beautiful scene the Lord made, the thought came that I would have never noticed or appreciated the rays of sunlight without the clouds and mist in the air. I then began to consider the many "rays of sunlight" the Lord had been sending to us: Bobbie and Rita who flew down from San Jose just to pray for Cora; a growing number of people, including our pastor and church, who are praying for Cora's healing with faith despite outward appearances; notes and cards from people encouraging us; perfectly timed phone calls giving Cora a word of hope when really needed; the Lord speaking to a friend of mine confirming that Cora would be healed; a poem to Cora from a friend expressing God's knowledge and care about the pain in Cora's heart in missing David's wedding; and many more.

We were praying this would be the time when the clouds broke up and blue sky appeared. And so much was happening it looked like that time had come. But then came spiritual Seattle the clouds rolled in and everything became dreary once again. We know, as a friend recently reminded me, that the sun is still shining when there is cloud cover, but it often becomes hard to remember.

The verse at the top of this letter has been a great encouragement during this time, knowing the Lord is getting things ready while we wait and that He won't have us wait a moment longer than necessary. We are learning (we hope) that waiting is not just hanging around doing whatever we want. Waiting requires active involvement, including the following three actions.

First, the New Living Translation version (from which all the verses in this letter were taken) of Matthew 7:7 accurately says, "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened." God quite often provides "crockpot" answers when we want "microwave" ones! Second, we are to keep expecting to see the answer even when God delays. Matthew 7:8 goes on to say, "For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks." Third, we are to wait patiently (which is often not too easy to do!) Psalm 27:13,14 puts these last two concepts together nicely. "Yet I am confident that I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."

So when clouds come this new year (as they surely will), know that sunshine is still there even when you can't see it. And be sure to appreciate every ray of light that breaks through the clouds during those dark times. Remember the Lord is working while you watch and wait expectantly and patiently for the clouds to be removed. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)

May 1997 be a year of blessing from the Lord for each one of us. Thank you for your prayerful support and encouragement in 1996.