He Sustains

I've got something mulling over in my mind. Not even sure it's a complete thought yet, but I can't stop considering it. This may not be the best place to start an email, huh? :-) however, it relates to those we are praying and fasting for today so I thought I'd share.

It's the concept of Him sustaining us. It's something He has been speaking to my heart. He sustains us. As in, "He sustains all things by His powerful word. " (Heb 1:3)

The dictionary gives this definition: sus·tain (s-stn)

tr.v. sus·tained, sus·tain·ing, sus·tains

1. To keep in existence; maintain.

2. To supply with necessities or nourishment; provide for.

3. To support from below; keep from falling or sinking; prop.

4. To support the spirits, vitality, or resolution of; encourage.

So, He's been teaching me this concept lately. This morning I decided to do a word search in my online Bible for the word sustain. I came across Nehemiah 9:21 "For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.".

For many years, I have heard about "the wilderness" time for the Israelites. I really have only thought about 2 things. 1. Their complaining 2. Their punishment. They were so close to "the promise" but couldn't quite get there. The wilderness must have been horrible, I thought. Ok, but then I read this verse. Go read it...and keep reading that chapter. MAN, God did AMAZING things in the wilderness. Over and over He provided for them. They had food, clothes that didn't wear out, victory over enemies, miracle after miracle. He truly sustained them that whole time. But see, they didn't see it. All they saw was the promise not being fulfilled. They turned their eyes to that, or just plain complaining and missed the real show. He was there, in the wilderness awe-ing and wooing them. He was there, holding them up. I love definition number 3. He was supporting, keeping them from falling. And they missed it.

That is SO convicting for me personally. How often do I miss it? How often am I so focused on wanting "the promise" (whatever that may be at that time in my life) that I miss Him wooing me?

My prayer, for us and for those we are interceding for is this....that we may SEE Him sustaining us. That our eyes may be opened to the real show. That we will see the miracles He is doing all around us. That we won't miss it. I know how hard that is for me, in my privileged life.....I can't imagine the difficulty when living in true need or oppression. I pray for them that they may see His sustaining Hand, that they may see His hope. and....that He will rise up a church that chooses to BE His sustaining Hands to those who are in need.

Remember the Poor:

For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you...If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God...then you shall live...But if your heart turns away, and you are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish... Be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life. (Deut 31 and 33)

Knowing that because of Christ's death, we are no longer under the old covenant of the law, we are praying that we will repent of our idolatry, our worship of other "gods", our chasing after the stuff of this world, and turn our hearts and minds and affections completely towards Christ...because He does not leave us empty, but He is our very life. Praying for His cleansing of the church.

HopeChest:

Ugandan Mission Trip
Moldova Ministry Launch
Russian Business Development Trip
CAFO
Victims and Orphans
Staff in US and International
Volunteers
Team in Swazi right now

Orphan Relief and Rescue

- The program year more or less winds down in June, so this is the last leg of the race. The field team has been in Liberia for seven months now -- please pray for endurance, grace, rejuvenation, and unity there.

- Planning for next year is underway -- please pray for wisdom, creativity, and boldness to dream big and watch God come through in amazing ways for the kids.

- Michael (teenager with liver disease) is still struggling, but keeping his chin up. This is a lonnnng road he's on, and he's learning to really take responsibility for himself and his health. One of our mentors, Will, is now meeting with him weekly as well, just to spend time and pour into him. Michael's really on his own, rejected by many. Please pray that the Lord meets him there and sees him through.

- Our VP is stuck in Benin, trying to get home to her family. Also Debbie's mom is stuck here in Liberia. Both hoping to get home this week...

Thanks, iFasters. Love you guys.

Caroline's Promise:

Pray for our team of 6 going to Guyana, South America on Thursday.
Upcoming Summit Conference
We're asking God to bring leadership to our South Carolina Chapter

Join us tomorrow morning first thing for a time of corporate prayer. I promise, you'll be blessed!

Wednesdays 9:30 AM (eastern) at CALL IN # : 760- 569- 9000 ID: 968101 We are also adding a NEW CALL!!! This one will be at 1:30 (eastern) and will focus on prayer for those who are being trafficked into the sex trade. Join us! (please reply to this email if you'd like to be a part of this one!)

Thanks!

Brandi

NEW blog address:

www.BrandiLea.com