Thank you so much for your continued prayers and for the many wonderful responses to last month’s letter. There certainly were backlashes but being somewhat mentally prepared, I am coming through, a little “dented” in spirit but still trusting God.

Some of the excitement included a small insect invasion which left me crawling; mostly spiders and silverfish who somehow gravitated to my bed although they knew better than to bite me! Then the unthinkable happened – my waterbed sprung a leak! I haven’t been out of it for 6 years so this was a difficult thing. To make a long story short, Dave came to help and they were able to wheel me on a desk chair into Jenny’s room, set up a makeshift bed with a foot board and ice for my feet and empty the waterbed which turned out to have been leaking for a long time! About 2 ½ hours later, the new one was in place, the room cleaned up and I was back in. Although it felt different, I adjusted without complications and the bonus was my allergies improved GREATLY – perhaps the mold, mildew and dust accumulation was the cause. And now we know I CAN be moved if necessary but I’m hoping the next move will be when Jesus calls me up and out of here!

All of this combined with exhaustion left me spiritually vulnerable. Sleepless nights were filled again with wrong thought patterns and actions. I felt a growing gap between the Lord and me which I seemed helpless to repair. BUT God – through the everpowerful action of His Word used the songs and scriptures stored in my heart to greatly relieve me.

I think it is important to share this because so many of us are fooled into thinking God won’t receive us when we perceive we’ve failed Him in some way. This is a Satanic deception of the highest order. If you are discouraged by your own failure or self-disappointment, let these words from hymns and scripture wash you now:

“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song; as the burdens press and the cares distress and the way grows weary and long? Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near? Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed to resist some temptation strong; when for my deep grief I find no relief though my tears flow all the night long? Oh yes, He cares – I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief. When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.” (From the hymn “Does Jesus Care?”)

Now, knowing He cares, go on and tell Jesus: “Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior, One who can help my burdens to bear. I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus, He all my cares and sorrows will share. O how the world to evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin! I must tell Jesus, and He will help me over the world the victory to win. I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone. I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.” (From “I Must Tell Jesus”)

For the scriptures tell us: “Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him], for we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a fellow feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace – the throne of God’s unmerited favor [to us sinners]; that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need – appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it. (Heb. 4:14-16 Amp) “He is able also to save to the uttermost – completely, perfectly, finally and for all time and eternity – those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. (Heb. 7:25)

Isn’t that cause for relief and rest? Isn’t it all so wonderful?! Jesus not only knows your feelings but also completely understands them. He is not there to judge you but to help you and rescue you – to be near you when you feel the most unworthy or are in the deepest pain. Run to Him and if the answer doesn’t seem to come, wait for it and trust – He will not fail to help His own.

Thank you Lord for your unfailing Love, your acceptance and your great ability to help us. May we always turn to You, looking away from our failures, shortcomings and sins that ensnare us unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Help that one reading this who has stumbled and been battered by Satan’s lies to receive your wonderful peace in Jesus’ Name.

How we love you and thank you for your continued prayers.