GEHENNA-IN THE VALLEY

Good morning my warrior sisters-

First, praise be to Jesus!  For in this time of great strife we must begin with praise!

How often are you watching the news or hearing how the administration is failing?  How often do you see a video where people are doing the wrong thing?  How many times have you heard how many millions are impacted by COVID-19 or that the sky is falling?

I'm sure you have heard or seen many of these things. What we aren't seeing is what's happening behind closed doors or in private discussions within our towns, states and government. We're not seeing the millions of people that are helping others, donating ventilators, designing new technologies like testing, or even about the auto workers who have worked tirelessly to change their plants into ventilator factories.  And then there are the doctors, nurses, medical assistants, working 12 hour shifts in hospitals all over the country. We aren't getting insights into the truckers as they've driven load after load and it doesn't end. We aren't with the grieving people as they mourn their dead and those who must lift them up from afar.

There is a mighty God in the unseen and yes, we are in a GEHENNA (valley).  There remains so much unknown and lack of direction that people feel like they are either in a dream or the worst nightmare they've ever had. This is where God begins to work, when man can't do anything to pick himself back up, God is picking us up out of the valley onto green grass.

For in the shadow much is happening. People are being saved, children are getting to spend more time with their parents, families are eating together and we are starting to care for our neighbors. You know, the ones we are supposed to love but we don't know their names only their faces. Well, after shelter in place orders, they are no longer faces on a street but real people, with real stories, and those stories are what's keeping all of us inspired in the face of this pandemic.

I don't know when things will return to normal and I'm not sure I even want normal again if it means we are selfish, driven, lack time for family and friends, and have no sensitivity to others hardships. I'm praying for a new normal where Jesus is the foundation and that hearts are turned toward Him. I'm praying that we care about our brothers and sisters all over the world and that we feel an immediate need to spread the gospel. Three weeks ago we were all in a different place and my hope is that the GEHENNA we now are in makes us realize that life is short and the world does not hold the keys. For the one who holds the keys to the world is here to destroy all the good that comes from worshiping Jesus and believing that we can TRUST IN HIM.

I have no idea where you are today or what you hope in. I hope you found this blog and it is turning your heart toward Jesus. My words mean nothing but HIS WORD is strong and true.  Hang on my dear sisters and pray, this to shall pass.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Lord, our Father, do YOUR will on earth and make us better people. May the valley of the shadow of death give us hope in YOU. May we comfort the mourners and pray for those that don't know where their rent will come from today. Give us eyes to see where we need to go and Lord give us courage to spread the good news during this pandemic. People of all races and from all countries need to hear Your WORDS and be comforted by Your SPIRIT. I am just one of many that follow you and that are being called. Please be with us and may my words encourage women to seek you first.  In Jesus name I pray, your daughter Lisa.