Originally posted 2017-08-10 00:53:18.
Hi!
Well! It is countdown Day-18! It has been an eventful; heart-wrenching day. I woke up this morning with triumph, obedience and intercession on my mind. These words came from having studied the first four chapters of Nehemiah since Monday. Nehemiah is an interesting book. I’ve taught from it on many occasions. But this morning, as I was compiling notes; The Lord told me to look at Nehemiah through the lens of intercession. This is a first!
Only, The Lord knows why.
The lesson was on, “Intercession in Action.” It was interesting, pulling intercession in action, out of Nehemiah chapters one thru four. It was also very enlightening. The Lord blessed the Bible Class.
After the class; many people came to me to extend their thanks for me obeying God. One of our church mothers even said, “If you had not obeyed God and taught today’s lesson; the blood would’ve been on your hands!” Wow! What a confirmation. It’s a blessing to obey God, and teach what He tells you to teach!
On my way home; an overwhelming need to weep came over me. I came home and cried. Then the Lord said, “Rochelle, it’s not you.” I called one of the dear mothers at the church. She and I talked for about 30 minutes; then we hung up. But still why the overwhelming sadness?
Tonight at 9:05 p.m., I received a text letting me know, one of the Elders at my church passed away this evening. I replied, “Oh Lord. Xoxo. Thank you for letting me know;” and cried awhile. Even though the Elder was ill; and had been in the hospital; we were looking forward to him recovering. God, I guess your way of healing is not always like ours. This is so sad. Yet I had to get myself together for James to bring Jordan.
The word on my heart tonight is “Jesus!”
Why? On Monday, a dear sister at our church texted and asked me to pray for her; because, her husband passed away. I replied to her text, letting her know I was praying. Now two days later, dear Elder. I don’t know what to say to his wife, and children. So prayer is the best thing to do. Calling on the name of “Jesus” soothes this sadness.
Jesus! That’s the only word helping now. It hurts to see people you love hurting. My dear sister in the Lord, and her family. The Elder’s wife, his children, and their family. This is terrible.
Thinking back on the original three words; why “Triumph,” “Obedience,” and “Intercession?” Perhaps, I started the day looking forward to being triumphant. I do know, obedience to God and His holy Word works. That’s triumph in its’ purest form. Intercession is so needed now.
The original questions that were on my heart this morning are no longer an issue. They were: “Who are your Sanballats and Tobiahs? Who do you intimidate? Why do certain people become so frustrated when you talk or teach? Who is trying to muzzle your voice? The main question is: “Why do you care?” But, at a time like this; who cares?
Then I wrote, “Your triumph is in your refusal to stop.”
Maybe that sentence works now. My heart aches for the dear Elder. Next to our Bishop; the Elder was the kindest man in our church. He always joked with me about God blessing me with a husband. He always asked about my sons; and had kind words to say about them. Whenever he had to call me, and discuss resolutions for ministry squabbles; he made sure I knew he didn’t want to speak ill of anyone. He was an absolute jewel to the ministry. His dear wife is just as kind. My heart goes out to her.
Losing someone dear to your heart makes you remember your deceased loved ones.
My heart aches for my daughter. There’s a nagging ache for my Mika; and my parents. There’s an empty hole for my siblings. Even though the Elder’s transition is not about me; when someone dear to you passes away; it sheds light on your broken heart. So, at this moment, the thing to say is, “Oh Jesus!
Oh Jesus! Please help Elder’s family. Oh Jesus! Please help my Bishop. They were high school friends. Oh Jesus, please help our entire church family. This one is major. My heart aches so much. Lord, Jesus; help us all; but please; help Elder’s wife, children; and family. Please!
Well my friends, it’s time to close. I pray you’re peeling back layers; and remembering God’s personal promises to you. The scriptures on my heart tonight are: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 KJV) “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalms 34:1-3 KJV)
Thank you for joining me today. I’m pressing on, and looking forward to countdown Day-17. We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
