“What is hiking?” —Joy (my middle daughter, seven)
“Going to a place where you’re going for a long time where you get hot walking.” —Dewy (my youngest daughter, five)
I have had that conversation saved in a phone note for the past five years. So adorable. So hilarious, listening to my children explain life to each other. But my then-five-year-old wasn’t trying to be funny. She was experiencing hiking for the first time as a three-foot human, who felt way more of the discomfort and strain of hiking and way less of the “oh, look at the beautiful rocks and sky” of it all. When you’re little and weak and the sun is scorching and you could really use a snack and a Capri Sun, hiking feels a lot more like “going to a place where you’re going for a long time where you get hot walking” than a scenic exercise experience.
Do you ever feel like that? I do. We, God’s little children, can so easily walk through this life focused on our weaknesses, on our discomforts, on the so-hot sun and the so-long feeling journey. Like a child on a lengthy, sweaty, boring hike, we might echo the psalmist David, “How long, LORD?” (Psalm 13:1).
In Revelation 6, we read about the worst things in this world: war and death and hunger. And when the fifth seal was opened, we hear the martyrs crying out from under the altar, “Lord…how long…?” (Revelation 6:10).
And then, in Revelation 7, we get a peek at what’s coming soon.
No more hunger. No more thirst. No more scorching heat. God will wipe away every tear—the ones we cried at home, in hospitals, and at grave-sides.
And that’s not just a fingers-crossed hope. Ephesians 1 says we have the Holy Spirit as a seal. We have a real promise from the God who always keeps His Word.
So while we hike, we do it with a Shepherd. And while it is long, He is leading us. Jesus is comforting us and even carrying us during this hard hot walk, to a place of peace and rest and everlasting hope.
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110 thoughts on "How Long, O Lord?"
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O Lord…how long? Isn’t that a question that is so often on our hearts. The cares of this world, the pain, the tragedy, the suffferings, godless ways and the heartache just feel like too much. We are weary and worn down of sorrow, worry, anxiety and sin. But as we know the Truth snd promises from God’s Word and the insight in today’s devotional,its a sweet reminder. Our Savior, our Shepherd leads us and He is our great hope.
“We have a real promise from the God who always keeps His Word. So while we hike, we do it with a Shepherd. And while it is long, He is leading us. Jesus is comforting us and even carrying us during this hard hot walk, to a place of peace and rest and everlasting hope.”
I have really appreciated the writings from the SRT team, the sharing and insights from everyone this week. I am easily confused, get “lost” in what is happening and struggle to follow Revelation. Your thoughts are so helpful. Thank you.
Traci Gendron…hugs and comfort for you❤️
Amen ❤️
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The end of verse 17 of Rev 7 says “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.“ It seems to me that those who are being referenced are the multitude “that are coming out of the great tribulation”(vs 14). In which case it doesn’t seem to apply to us believers (if we believe in the pre tribulation rapture). This made me remember Dr. David Jeremiah’s sermon series on Revelation. At some point he notes that in Rev 21:4, when speaking of the new heaven and new earth, it says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He interpreted that to mean that perhaps there will be tears in heaven before the new heaven and new earth are inaugurated, otherwise there would be no tears to wipe away that time. I have to say that kind of turned my thinking about heaven (before the new heaven and new earth are inaugurated) a little sideways. :/ He explained maybe we will mourn for our unsaved loved ones or other things. ?? But then the new heaven and new earth would be without tears, etc as Rev 21:4 says.
Definitely has given me something to ponder…
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Another thing that stood out to me was in the Enduring Word commentary also regarding the multitude from the great tribulation. Rev 7:10 says: “And they cried out in a loud voice:
Salvation belongs to our God,ad
who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb!”
The commentary says “Sometimes believers on earth take their salvation almost for granted. This isn’t true of this great multitude in heaven.”
Unfortunately I think I often fall into that earthly category. Heavy sigh…
Psalm 56:8.
Thanks for sharing your ponderings
SHARON JERSEY GIRL noted that as well, and her comment “This must be quite a large bottle if it’s collected all my tears!”. I have often wondered the same and if I’ll get to see that one day!
Those are all good thoughts, B. Thanks for sharing them!
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As I read these words in Revelation, I found my heart tremble. I pray for courage and strength as I read through. The four horsemen stood out to me (like KELLY NEO). We are in the Red horseman time, the one with the great sword, of conflict, civil unrest, civil and moral divisions, wars, and bloodshed. Brace ourselves for impact. The next one is the black horseman, economic crisis and collapse, there are signs preparing for what is about to happen, currency collapse, stock market crash, high inflation, scarcity, banking crisis, job loss crisis, high interest rates. This is the prophecy of what will happen, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine” Revelation 6:6. A full day’s wage rate can only afford some flour (about 2 lbs) (watch and pray for it is on the verge, rising prices in grocery stores). There will be imbalance and scarcity in the world’s economy. But “do not harm the oil and the wine”. Notice God establishes limits and boundaries even in the great collapse. Wheat and barley refers to the basic needs, everyday food. What is oil and wine? Why does God command that they won’t be touched? There might be more than one interpretations. Some interpretation says that luxury goods won’t be affected. Why did God warn us about this? When resources become scarce, the selfishness of humanity is exposed, economic crisis leads to hoarding, the strong will try to preserve themselves, while the weak suffer. What stood out for me is that oil represents the Holy Spirit, the anointing (remember the five wise virgins who prepare extra oil for the long wait?). Wine- the very first miracle that Jesus did at the wedding involves wine. Wine is a symbol of joy, and celebration, of gladness, luxury, and also of the blood covenant in communion, “Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins’” Matthew 26:27–28, “Do not be drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18. Watch and pray. Pray for courage, seek strength daily from Him so that our heart will not grow weary. Knowing the prophecy is one thing, but going through it is another thing. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. We are not called to panic. “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ … For your heavenly Father knows that you need them” Matthew 6:31–32. God’s people are called to wise preparation, not in fearful stockpiling. Like Joseph in Egypt, who stored grain during plenty, preparation can be done in faith, not panic. “He gathered up all the food of the seven years of plenty… and stored up food in the cities” Genesis 41:48–49, and Joseph later sold the grain to the suffering nations in an economic crisis, including his own family. It takes wisdom and patience to manage resources. God used Joseph not to exploit the famine, but to preserve life, he stored food for a purpose, not out of fear, greed or self-preservation, “God sent me before you to preserve life” Genesis 45:5. Watch and pray. May the grace of God be with His children. Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen Mercy! We have to be ready to endure these things.
I needed that reminder today that while we hike, we do it with the Great Shepherd of our souls. And while we cry out “How long?” He is with us in the heat of our journeys. Amen.
How long? We might say it would be too long. (I would say that. I am an impatient person… Are you?) It reminds me of my youngest son in Sunday School once… He said/asked, “Define soon.” (This was in response to Jesus saying, “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 22:7… I realize we are not there yet. Did I say I was impatient? I totally am!)
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And while I wait impatiently… I am reminded of Jack Hibbs asking once… Aren’t you glad He didn’t come before you got saved? Holy moly! Yes, and amen!
That’s really good, Adrienne. I needed to hear this reminder and Pastor Jack Hibbs question. I need to be patient and more bold in sharing my faith because the time could be soon!
Its hard to imagine this promise coming to life, God wiping away every tear, what an amazing thing we have to look forward to!
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Overcome with joy for me and others who are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Sadness for those who refuse to believe. Soften their hearts, Lord. Take the blinders from their eyes.
Praying for those of you who need the Lord’s special touch today.
Tricia
“Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and strength belong to our God
forever and ever! Amen.”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
I noticed this too, I counted and there are 7 things. Number 7 appears again. The fullness. All things belong to Him. Amen.
Another set of sevens. My NIV study Bible says this group of seven is the symbol of complete and perfect praise.
Perfect praise. Wow I never thought of that. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, B! I didn’t have a chance for study this morning so I missed that! ❤
❤ Good eye, Mercy! Thanks for pointing that out. I just love the praise! ☺
Ohh I did not notice the seven things.
Ditto ❤
Thankful that Jesus leads us, comforts us and even carries us on this hike of life! The old song Where He Leads Me I Will Follow came to mind today❤️
Thank you Scarlett and many others today for beautiful comforting words that focus us on our living hope. I’ve been struggling with some big feelings of hopelessness, despair and uncertainty in my “salvation” status lately. Not entirely sure why… but it’s been a battle to stop the negative self talk going on in my head.. The passage about the people robed in white brought great relief to me. Thank you Jesus above all others. Amen
Praying for you sweet Cindy! Nothing can snatch you sister from your Father’s hand!
Take every thought captive and replace it with him and his promises!!
Praying for you. Oh the things that satan can whisper into our ears ..like he did Eve. “Did God really say…?” Yes take heart sister. He did really say, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29) (amen RHONDA!)
“No more hunger. No more thirst. No more scorching heat. God will wipe away every tear—the ones we cried at home, in hospitals, and at grave-sides.”…Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be! Just the tears alone- There will be no more!…When I think of all the tears I’ve cried over the years, this verse comes to mind: “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”
This must be quite a large bottle if it’s collected all my tears! And yet, one day God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more. I so look forward to that day!
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Praise God that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit – He is our “deposit” for heaven. Once we are saved we an NEVER, EVER lose our salvation! Thank you Jesus!! I am – you are, God’s possession. How comforting and reassuring these words are! It’s hard for me to understand how some faiths believe you can lose your salvation. Do they not believe that Almighty God is all powerful, and what He has claimed – no one can take from Him? I pray that their eyes will be opened and that they can rest in His promises, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.
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Praying for this lost world to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This world is searching, but so many times it searches in the wrong place. May the Holy Spirit woo them to Him.
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Have a blessed Thursday dear She’s.
@Traci Gendron – special prayers for you today dear sister. ❤️
Amen!
Praying for Traci as we!!! ❤
Amen❤️
Amen Beautiful!!
Amen, joining you covering TRACI in prayers this day. ❤️
AMEN!
Ephesians 1:13-14 CSB
In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. [14] The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.❤️
Thank you Jesus
Yes!! We have a real promise from the God who always keeps His Word! Thank you Scarlet for this well written and encouraging devotion. Loved the metaphor of us hiking and though it’s hard, we do it with the Shepherd! And while it’s long, He leads us. Comforts us. Carries us. Sigh…..Forgive my repetitiveness (this is going to be long) but will use bullet points. July 2017 I had the courage to leave 20+ year marriage along with my kids where we constantly verbally and emotionally and sometimes physically abused. Court/judge granted a 5 year restraining order which he DID NOT respect. Five hears later in the judge granted another 5 years for the restraining order. Meanwhile I was seeking God and godly counsel. I was being told NO DIVORCE. In my heart of hearts and could not understand how I was expected to stay married to an abusive husband. Did my own research, EIGHT years later after counsel, seeking God, praying, lots of praying and even counseling with Focus on the Family, I filed for a divorce in June! This coming up court date of November 21 is my first appearance regarding divorce. It’s not been easy. I’m sparing you all the details. My Jesus has been with me every step of the way. NOT once did I feel abandoned! NOT once! I’m not sure what is going to happen on the 21st, but I do know my JESUS goes with me and I even found out it will be a different judge which I am very grateful for as the previous judge (whom I don’t know) is known to be harsh. I wish I could tell you more but I’m out of time. Prayers are appreciated!
Praying for your upcoming court date❤️
Praying for new strength and great favors in court for you, strength for your children. You are the overcomer through Jesus. The fighter spirit. I pray justice and righteousness prevails.
Praying for you Mari, I appreciate your authenticity. Our stories are important to share, someone out there needs to hear this. Love and hugs!
Praying for things to go well in court.
Praying, Mari, that God works out all the details and everything goes smoothly! Thank you for sharing your story of faithfulness and long suffering.
Happy Birthday Michelle P!
Love, hugs, and blessings on your special day!!
Thank you so much ❤️❤️
Happy Birthday, li’l sis! ❤
Happy birthday Michelle. Be blessed today and throughout the year ahead.
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much love..
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Happy birthday, Michelle! ❤️
Happy Birthday Michelle P. Many joy and wonderful blessings be poured out to you from above.
Thank you all :))
I loved the devotional today! Isn’t that the truth that most of us are still that young person just tired, hungry, thirsty, weak, ready to give up and just stay in bed some days…how long Lord, how long till we get there? I am with Jesus every day, praying, reading, praising and consuming him…and I am tired, how do the people without the Lord make it??! Life can break us, situations and circumstances will bring us to our knees- the difference is while others depend on other coping methods, usually harmful- WE, Christ-followers, depend on the One, we are cared for and attended by the true God. He knows his sheep, he knows what each of us need in the long sojourn in this life! When we are lost he holds our hands and leads, when we can’t stand anymore he carries us, when we are flat out and done, he kneels down and cradles us to him.
My groups I lead are hard because we are all so tired and weak. Meaning, one is chronic pain group where many can’t hardly walk and function, and each day is so hard to just be. Constant pain wearing them down. The other is is the jail ministry. Where usually it is uplifting, we have a group that is really struggling with barely hanging on. They are indeed saying How long, Lord, how long till I get out of here in this hard, hard place. (I know many think it is by their own choices and they have the punishment coming, but in most cases they had traumatic traumas that they covered up with drugs and alcohol that spiraled to addictions and worse and worse decisions.) Once they get out it is not set up for success but failure and they wind back up there despite their good intentions. See the broken so often can sometimes wear me down—But I see how God’s promises are so important and valuable. So why I don’t get today’s scripture reading- I loved the devotional. Of how we say…How long, Lord how long. Lord help us on this long, hard road. Strengthen our weakness, put out the fires we feel like is going to singe us. Shut the lions mouths that surround us! Split that Sea that leaves us fearing there is no escape. Your word says you will never leave us or forsake us. Your word also says when we go through deep waters you are with us! In the valley of the shadows of death, you are with us! In the storms, YOU calm the sea with words Peace be Still!
Yesterday at jail we have been talking about the importance of Bible Reading and memorization! I wouldn’t be able to know how God walks with his people and is Jehovah Jireh if I didn’t read his word and all the stories of his provision! I hide his words down in my heart so they are there when I need them! Even the words of Revelation although I don’t understand half of them (laughing face), they matter and give us the- what is coming! The words prepare us. If they were easy to understand, well there wouldn’t be so much study. The closer we get, the more things make sense to us. Technology has made it where now we can see the whole world and be interconnected. We will now be able to easily see things as they happen. We can see birthing pains easily. Lord, keep us ready and prepared. Help us as we keep going through your word together in the book of Revelations, and well, give us revelation! Take the scales away some more, little by little you reveal to your servants. The last days will come. All eyes are on Israel like scripture predicts. We must pay attention! There is Replacement Theology that is false and dangerous, and you must have wisdom about such things. We must be strong in our faith and ready to stand when persecution comes for us. Things are speeding up, as the last two decades have shown! Don’t get complacent or comfortable She’s!
Amen
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Amen and hugs. ❤️
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Amen. We must keep watch. The Lord will not replace His firstborn (amen that the replacement theory is a false doctrine). 144,000 of them from 12 tribes are marked as remnant for the last days as we read. And new Jerusalem, God’s eternal city will be made. And He will name the twelve gates in heavens with the twelve tribes of Israel. He will not name them after any other new gentile nations. And the foundations have the names of the 12 apostles. The Lord remembers His people. He remembers His covenant with Israel. Geez, why on earth would anyone preach replacement theory is beyond me!
Amen, Mercy❤️
Amen Miss Rhonda!
Amen, Rhonda❤️
There were seals to be broken that brought judgement on a world that rejected Him.
There is a seal on those who have received Jesus as Lord by the Holy Spirit!
We are kept until Christ takes us to Him! We are sealed until we can take possession of it!
We have Jesus to help us along the journey! We don’t need to be afraid.
Praying for the list to have their eyes open and hearts receptive!
Praying for all of you and your requests!
Yes, that one sentence–“We have Jesus to help us along the journey! We don’t need to be afraid.” Amen!!
So good Cheryl Blow ❤️
Yes!
Good morning. My daughter, Sydney, had her baby yesterday. Both are doing well, and she is breast feeding. They did have to give him a bottle, but she is not giving up.
Also, sadly, no change for Joann.
Thank you for all the prayers and I’m always praying for yours as well.
Continuing prayers! Congratulations on your new grandbaby!
Congratulations! What a blessing
Congrats. Praying for mommy and baby.
Ah…
Walking by Grace.
With a child’s Heart.
And the view, the magnificent view!
Whether veiled by tears.
Or engulfed by Light.
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Praying for comfort over those tears. Blessed are those who mourn.
Amen
Amen ❤️
What stood out to me today was, “Then another horse went out, a fiery red one, and its rider was allowed to take peace from the earth, so that people would slaughter one another. And a large sword was given to him.”
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As we look around our world today we see so much violence. This is happening WITH God’s peace covering the earth. I cannot even begin to imagine what life will be like when the peace is removed!
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TRACI GENDRON – may the comfort of your Shepherd lead you to peace-filled pastures with streams that restore your soul today.
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TINA – praying for you and your cousin as you say your goodbyes and that your souls are also comforted and filled with peace.
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MOLLIE – praying the doctors were able to help your husband find relief from his back pain.
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MARINA SAYADIAN – praying your dental appointment went better than expected.
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LIBBY K – praying the Lord gives you His peace and provides all your family needs during this time of financial strain.
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Continued prayers for those suffering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa. May the hands and feet of Jesus bring physical and spiritual restoration.
Thank you Kelly for remembering. I think of Tanner dancing in heaven.
Praying for you Traci as you go through the emotions on this day. Love and hugs.
Tanner…dancing in heaven! (heart)
Praying for you today Traci. ❤️
Praying over these requests
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Thank you, sisters, for the insight, comments, songs shared and research in this study so far. The thought came to mind this morning that we are brave and determined to learn all we can about this challenging, prophetic book God gave us. May we all continue to gain understanding. ❤️
Yes, Searching!
Challenging. Prophetic.
Complicated. Provocative.
But how determined we are.
And how grateful I am to do this in community!
God greets us & welcomes us in our trying!
❤ Amen!
“determined to learn” ❤️ that’s the spirit sister.
Amen! Aren’t we grateful that our Shepherd has promised to walk with us in all the seasons here on earth – grief, doubt, anger, despair and long, long journeys. If we keep our focus on Jesus, we are reminded that in the end it will all be worth it – heaven, a place of peace and rest and everlasting hope!
Remember how much He loves you today, Ladies and keep walking the path.
I definitely needed this and Scarlett’s Devo today!!
I’m feeling very flawed, useless,… despair, impatience, uncertainty tonight…Yes, we have a Shepherd, praise Jesus ❤️
Oh sweet Sister. I think you are a beautiful, daily example of our Father’s hands and feet. You open your home and your heart to families and show them Jesus. You are His instrument and have touched so many lives. Praying His peace and guidance for You today and that you feel Him walking beside you today.
Yes amen Brandi!
And great words Sally B!
Mama you are such a blessing to so many. ❤️
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How long, O Lord..
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Life is a trek.. that is truth. Here the thing as SCARLET has said, there are blips of beauty, goodness, grace joy hope.
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It’s been a trek to get to the Gambia, it’s been a trek being here.Its been a trek to do te stuff we’ve had to do. It’s been a trek, truly its been a tug on the heart, the mind, the soul. My cousin each day a zillion times asks, why..?
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Today, is the last leg of my cousins journey here on earth. We say farewell as we lay him to rest.
I hear the words it is well in my head as I write..
Yes Lord, it is well. Because you are near to the brokenhearted, praise you Lord God.
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BUT GOD..
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He is not an ‘in the moment’ kind of God, He is a God for all times, every minute of the day kind, surrounding us with people and love..
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His promise, in Revelation 7 and later to reiterate in Revelation 21 is and has been a promise that has long been sewn into my heart, and I know today may be tear filled, but i know the day is coming when those tears will be no more.
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Today I hold my living cousin close as we say goodbye to the one called home, knowing.. it is not necessary that we ask,.. “How long O Lord..” but indeed say Thank you for a life well lived here on earth in service to others, with Father God and His Word as his guide and help..
Abii, was a man of God.
He rests now. His work is done..
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God will wipe away our tears one day real soon.. until that day..
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It is well.
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It is well.
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It is well.
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Amen.
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Sending you all much much love covered in prayers.
Blessings abundant..
Tina..❤️❤️❤️
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TRACI GENDRON. Thinking of you and sending you much love and hugs..❤️
Much love ❤️
“ Abii, was a man of God.”
Beautiful tribute.
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Agreed. Six words that we pray will be sad of each of us at the end of our Earthly days
Beautiful. Praying for today as the body of your cousin is laid to rest. And celebrating as their soul rejoices with the Lord!
May peace be with you and your family. ❤️❤️
Our Dear Tina
As you might say, from across the pond…
Draped in His Unfailing Love.
Thank you so much Tina. Prayers that today is filled with peace for you and your family.
Praying for you be and your family today!
Prayers and hugs, sweet sister! ❤
As I read this today and then fill out the worksheet regarding the seven scrolls, I am overcome with so many emotions.
Oh how I pray that my children and grandchildren will be singing Glory to the Lamb, willfully. Lord, I can’t wait to kneel at your feet to sing praises to Your Holy Name!
Blessings and honor and glory and power forever to our God!
Praying for you and your family as you move through the grief of this separation. Thankful that you were able to go this last mile of the way with your cousin Abii
Praying for you and your family Tina. ❤️
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Praying for peace and comfort, Tina.
So while we hike, we do it with a Shepherd. I love this because it’s a reminder that I’m not alone and I am not lost. I am being guided especially on hard days.
Yes! So good! I am not alone and I am not lost!
Yes, Emma.
A near, not distant God.
Encompassed.
Unlike any map ever made by man!
Yes Emma!❤️
Amen❤️