Fall has arrived but you’d never know it by our weather. It was around 90 degrees yesterday and we’re in for more of the same today. But things have remained pretty much the same inside the house. Cora is still waging a tremendous battle against her illness while Jenny and I are trying to give her any help we can. No news yet on the sale of the apartments but the church that bought the building has signed a lease with Wycliffe so my need to inspect the building is over.

I suppose because of the place where we’re at much of my Bible reading has been in the Psalms. One verse I came across that presents a special challenge to me is Psalm 37:34. In the New Living Translation the first portion of the verse reads, “Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act!” Under normal circumstances I would say, “Sure, no problem.” But when you’re in a situation like ours or that of many others when delay means so much pain and suffering, that’s a hard pill to swallow. Please pray for all three of us that we would really KNOW that is right for us.

Next the verse says, “Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land.” That is what we are going for, but we sure to feel prone to stumble as we try to continue on. We are so thankful to have people like you praying for us so we can have confidence that we will make it. Left up to us, we KNOW we would fail.

Yesterday was one of our particularly hard days, especially for Cora. She was at the point of wanting to give up. Then Jenny brought in a note from an organization we had sent a small donation to some time back. Here’s what the note said.

“While meditating today, the word perseverance came to mind. It means hold on, be steadfast, be determined to keep pressing on, keep at it. In Luke 8:15, Jesus spoke about good soil believers who hold fast to God’s Word, and who bear fruit with perseverance. I would not at all be surprised if the Holy Spirit prepared this encouragement just for you today. No matter what you are facing – do not faint. Do not despair. Do not think of giving in or giving up. God is with you. He knows what you face. He has made a promise and will go with you no matter what. Preserve! Things will soon change for the best! God said so!”

WOW! That was like a vitamin shot, a wake up call. And that is what the Lord has continued to do now through over 17 years of battling against sickness. And so we continue to believe that we will see the last portion of Psalm 37:34 fulfilled in our situation. “YOU WILL SEE THE WICKED DESTROYED.”

Thank you so much for your encouragement, prayerful support and your faithfulness in standing with us. May the Lord bless you as you persevere in following Jesus wherever He leads.