WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, January 2, 2008

Here we are looking at a brand new year, and perhaps wondering what all it will bring. Until just a few years ago, I always had a very gloomy and almost fearful feeling on New Years Eve. I think I was always so unsure about what the Lord was going to do in the next year and was not sure of His loving care. Of course, I still have no idea what will come in 2008, but my confidence and hope has become so much more secure now that I no longer have those kind of feelings.

At this point, I want to share with you a very amazing experience. Last Sunday evening, we were in another city where we are working with an American military church to start a new German work. It was our first Sunday night service there. I had developed some kind of allergic reaction with a rash that itched greatly. Throughout the evening, the itching increased until it was unbearable by the time services were over. Unexpectantly, a pastor's wife I know but very seldom see, was in the services visiting. She did not know we would also be there. As we began to chat with one another, I mentioned the rash to her and she said, "What you need is some Benadryl." I agreed, but said I did not have any. She began to search in her purse and after a few minutes, pulled out one capsule in its sealed package. She said, "I picked this up last week off the ground, and because it was still sealed, stuck it in my purse. I never do that but for some reason this time I did. I don't even know what it is." I took the capsule and read the name, Benadryl. It was exactly what I needed. I quickly took the capsule and within 30 min. began to feel much relief.

Isn't that amazing!!! God provided just what I would need a week in advance to someone that didn't even know she would see me!

Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord is our Shepherd and the shepherd always goes before and prepares for the sheep. You and I may have no idea what 2008 has in store for us, but you can rest easy, He does. He will not only go before you to prepare the way, but will be with you every minute of every day. We don't need to be afraid. We need to trust and look forward to His plan, His care and His provision. We need to use each opportunity He gives us and most of all, we need to develop a closer walk with Him. Remember, this could be your last year.

May our Lord richly bless each of you in this new year. Take heart and trust God! He loves you unconditionally, and He is always, in the very midst of the trial, with you.

- Sandy Hastings
January 2, 2008

If you wish to contact me personally, e-mail me at sandy.hastings@gmx.de