Recently I was following a story of a young girl, 12 years old, who lives in my hometown, and who was diagnosed with cancer about 1 1/2 years ago. Sadly, her mother died of cancer two years ago. She has two brothers. I was interested in the story because this family lives in my hometown, the girl attended my elementary school, and I was touched by the outpouring of love and prayers that were bestowed upon this family. My hometown had a special day to honor this girl, t-shirts were made, and so many other special things were planned. As I read the online journal and guestbook, I was touched by the faith of the father (who is a campus minister), and by the many messages left on the guestbook that were full of scripture and faith. I felt proud of my hometown. So many people were praying, so many people were lifting their faces toward heaven. Granted, it is a small town, but the fact that their faith was open and not hidden for all to see was encouraging, and I wanted to say I belonged there, I’m part of the town. Indeed, I am. I lived there from the time I was 8 years old. I miss my town, and the good old south. Sadly, the girl passed away 2 days ago. Her cancer had reached a stage where the doctors could do nothing for her. Her father’s last post stated, “safe in the arms of Jesus!”. She indeed is safe, no more pain or suffering and is dancing in Heaven. Even though he must feel like Job, the faith of this father remains firm and is a testimony to so many. Praise God!
Here is a post I came across– I will post a link to this website in the “take a look” section. It is from David Wilkerson’s blog.
DEARLY BELOVED
As I was in prayer, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about four expectations that God’s people should trust him to bring pass. These expectations are based on absolute promises the Lord has made to us. Our God is a promise-maker and a promise-keeper!
1. EXPECT TO BE REWARDED AS YOU DILIGENTLY SEEK THE LORD. “God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
You can ask in faith for a token from the Lord to encourage and rekindle your confidence. God is always on time, and he knows you need a ray of hope and good news in your time of testing. Expect him to keep his promise to reward you now, when you are in greatest need. God cannot lie – he has said he rewards those who diligently seek him – so seek him daily. And truly believe this will be your season of great spiritual blessing.
2. EXPECT TO SEE EVIDENCE OF A PROGRESSIVE MIRACLE IN YOUR LIFE. “With God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).
I have written about instantaneous miracles and progressive miracles. Progressive miracles start in unseen, quiet ways and unfold little by little, one small mercy at a time. You are now in such a miracle. Expect to see God working in mysterious ways, unseen to the human eye. This should be the season you can say, “I don’t know how it will come to pass – I don’t see much happening right now – but I believe God set into motion an answer to my prayers the very first hour I asked.”
3. EXPECT TO ENTER INTO GOD’S PROMISED PLACE OF REST. “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God…enter into that rest” (Hebrews 4:9, 11).
The recent year has been one of the most stressful for many believers. It was a year of incredible calamities, problems and trials. Now the Lord desires that you trust him to bring you into his promised rest. God never intended his children live in fear and despair. We need a reckless faith, a trust in him in the face of fear and trouble. Now is the time to lay it all on Jesus.
4. EXPECT THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE ALWAYS “IN HIS TEMPLE.” “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
The Holy Spirit abides in the heart of every believer. He is omnipresent throughout the world and universe. I face each day acknowledging that he is here in his temple to comfort and guide me, encourage and anoint me, to reveal the glory of Jesus Christ in ever-increasing revelations. He desires that you expect him to make his presence manifest to you, and more so each passing day.
Believe these promises. Lay hold of these four expectations, and you will see marvelous things in this season of your life.
Posted by David Wilkerson