WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, March 11, 2008

In order for you to understand this weeks devotion, it is important that you know what I talked about last week. So if you haven't read last weeks devotion, then click here. Now that you know the situation, I must share with you what God has been doing.

Our 2 month old granddaughter that was so sick and in the hospital with RSV, is home! The Dr. came in on Thursday morning and was amazed at how much she had improved throughout the night. He then allowed our daughter to take her home while staying on oxygen. As we talked to them this morning, she is still on oxygen but continues to improve.

Our daughter-in-law that was having major problems had an emergency surgery on Thursday morning. Due to the circumstances, our son told us the trip that was planned to come over and visit us here in Germany, would have to be postponed. However, the doctors were able to do the surgery by a laparoscope and there was no need for a large incision. In fact, she was home about three hours later, and the doctor said things went so well and she could fly on the Wednesday, the 13th and not have to postpone their trip!
Trip is back on!! Wow! God did some amazing things for our family this week.

Our dollar is not doing any better, but you know, I am convinced that supplying our funds is a very little thing for the God of the universe. I recently reread the story of Elijah and the poor widow woman (1 Kings 17:8-16). If God could keep oil in that cruse until the drought was over, He can certainly give us the funds needed for us to stay here. What does Matthew 6:8 say? "..for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Or what about Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Is our God not able?! ABSOLUTELY!!!

The problem in our church is not completely over, but I can see the Lord is using it for good, just as He promised. People are realizing how important it is to forgive one another, and not to harbor anger and bitterness. If some really do learn this lesson, it will be worth it all. Not only that, but the problem drove me to much prayer and to truly claiming what God has promised us as His children to be true for me in my situation. It has been an amazing opportunity to experience God's peace and joy in the midst of ugly problems.

You see, God's rainbow of promise was there. I realize things don't always turn out the way we would like, or happen within the time frame we would prefer, but the point remains, God is true and faithful and you can trust Him explicitly!

The "rain" may still be falling heavily around you, but let me encourage you to take it all to Him. He is our refuge, our protector, our strength, our hope and our comfort.
"I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
Psalms 18:1-2 He is our ark in the middle of the flood. With all your heart put yourself and your situation by faith, totally in His hands. Let Him work. Trust Him to work. Crawl up into His arms, child of God and experience His loving care, for He careth for you.

- Sandy Hastings March 11, 2008 If you wish to contact me personally, e-mail me at sandy.hastings@gmx.de

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