The patient pursuer of our hearts has been on a rescue and redemption mission since Genesis 3 for His beloved creation. Out of captivity, the God of the Universe led the Israelites by day in a pillar of cloud and by night in a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21). The Lord drove the sea back and turned it into dry land to lead His people to safety (Exodus 14:21). Later, in the person of Jesus, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). What the Israelites thought was a rescue and redemption mission for them alone was, in fact, a God-orchestrated mission for all.
This mission continues in the book of Acts. But as the disciples began to make disciples, trouble found them again. Persecution of the church in Jerusalem led to a scattering of God’s people throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1).
The church had “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Yet opposition, hardship, and persecution accompanied the blessings, miracles, and the spreading of the gospel. Rather than insist on their original church planting blueprint, they instead adapted and adjusted to these devastating roadblocks despite their disappointment and fear of the future. The result? “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21).
How do you handle the detours of life? You know, when you’ve planned, prayed, and prepared for the trip, the purchase of a home, or the career—and out of nowhere, the lane you’re driving in is closed and you’re forced to abandon your original plan?
Though it might be hard to realize in the midst of the season, there are gifts from God in the roadblocks we face. Most often those gifts extend far beyond our own lives as God performs miracles, signs, and wonders for the building up of His body and for the display of His glory.
The violence and persecution the Church experienced in Jerusalem were not the end of the story. Although it was not the way they had planned to spread the message of Christ, their dispersion allowed the church in Antioch to be born—a multi-ethnic melting pot of people who played a pivotal role in spreading the gospel message.
The Church could have given up, and the gospel message could have stopped right there in Jerusalem. But the rescue mission continued. Though they were persecuted, they persevered, and many came to know Christ in Antioch and other regions of the world. May we, too, continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise and not neglect doing good in Jesus’s name (Hebrews 13:15–16). Even in the detours, we have the beautiful opportunity to turn toward people whom God loves and share with them the good news of His saving grace.
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112 thoughts on "The Church in Antioch"
I am several days late on this devotional…but, I am trying to get caught up. I am so thankful that God has always had a plan. I am thankful that HE continues to pursue our hearts. Thankful that the disciples did not give up and that we have the opportunity to continue to share The Gospel with others.
“May we, too, continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise and not neglect doing good in Jesus’s name (Hebrews 13:15-16). Even in the detours, we have the beautiful opportunity to turn toward people whom God loves and share with them the good news of His saving grace.”
What if they had given up? What if they had walked away? BUT GOD….in His goodness and mercy…they didn’t give up and we, who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior have been saved! Now – Lord may we never give up, sharing Your Gospel!
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I know I’m a day late on this so not sure how many will see but there’s a song called The Detour by FAITHFUL and it beautifully relates to today’s devotional. This song has carried me through hard seasons, I have cried every word in a hospital bed and highly recommend it if you find yourself on a detour. ❤️
Hi Lauren, I’m actually days late, but I really listen to detour by faithful and loved it. Thank you so much.
I am several days late, but I am adding to my playlist now! Thank you for sharing.
Great message –
Amen!
Not corny! I love this!
This message came at the most perfect time——as usual. Thank you God for your timing. It’s your timing not ours. Amen ❤️
Beautiful reminder today
Dearest Rachel, thank you for the reminder that even in detour
the Master planner is not
surprised or confounded and will work all things according to the counsel of His will.
Gracious sisters!! I’m joining you in prayer for your prodigals…those you love and are far from God. Praying also for our brothers and sisters across the world that don’t know our gracious savior…YET! God’s love is so BIG & PATIENT. May we follow our good shepherd in how and who He loved.
I am always encouraged by your comments, prayers for one another, songs shared, and love. May you continue to build up the Body and the overflow of God’s love follow you wherever you go. Such a blessing to journey with you today in word at SRT.
Much love!
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It took me a long minute to realize you are the author of today’s devotion. My goodness. Thank you so much for joining us in the comment. How sweet of the interactions. Thank you for your beautiful prayer sister ❤️.
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(heart!)
Great devotional, thank you!
Thank you for your beautiful devotional and for taking the time to share in the comments with us.
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❤️ Thabk you for your insights and teaching through today’s devotional :)
Matt update…
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Matt’s brother just called Paul. They want to “pull the plug”. (He had two code blues yesterday that we did not know about.) Matt’s wife and his siblings, etc. are “ok” with that, but daughter (in early twenties) is not. She has been kinda hateful toward her mom. Her insistence that they not pull the plug makes everyone uncomfortable. I get that, I guess. Matt is her daddy, and I don’t think his daughter is a Christian, sooo…
Please keep Matt and his family in your prayers. Thank you.
Oh, wow. I’m so sorry. Continued prayers.
Praying ❤️
SOOO hard when directives are not in written form beforehand. Prayers for all.
Aww that’s tough! Praying for Matt’s family
Praying for Matt and his family, daughter. So sorry.
Praying for Matt and particularly his daughter and wife that the evil one will not get a foothold in this!
Praying for all, especially the daughter, as they try to wrap their minds around the situation. So sad.
I’m so sorry to hear. I prayed for Matt this morning. May God’s will be done as we pray for a miracle for him.
Adrienne,thanks for this update! Joining our sisters in praying for Matt – a healing miracle if it’s God’s will, for the family if it truly comes to choice, especially for the daughter in accepting it. Prayers for you and Paul as well. ❤
Thank you, sweet sisters. ❤️
So sad, prayers for their family and friends.
“The patient pursuer of our hearts” – I love this description of our heavenly Father. He does indeed pursue us, He is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This gives me so much hope for not only my, but all of our prodigals. And oh how long the list is! Thank you @Tami for putting the list together.❤️
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God wants our hearts to be fully, wholeheartedly committed to Him. May we all continue to keep on doing good, and keep on sharing the good news of His saving grace!
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The Goodness Of God is the song that came to mind today, especially the chorus that mentions His goodness (the Patient Pursuer) “running after” us…
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I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Chorus
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Verse 2
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God
Chorus (x2)
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Bridge (x2)
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Chorus (x2)
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
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Be blessed today my Sisters! And stay warm – it was 8 degrees when I woke up this morning!
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P.S.
How sweet it was of Lauren Cox to comment on the posts yesterday!
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Yes that really was a treat to hear from the author yesterday!
And today as well!
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NKJV Enduring Word Study Bible
“God emphasized the importance of these events by repeating the story. Peter explained that before he ever entered the man’s house, an angel had been standing in his house. If it was permitted for an angel of God to go into the house of Cornelius, then it must also be permitted for Peter. Peter concluded with the important point that the Holy Spirit fell upon these Gentiles who trusted in Jesus before they came under the law of Moses. This showed that God’s stamp of approval was on this work among the Gentiles. If God showed His acceptance, then the apostles and brethren in Judea should also. … When the gospel came to Cornelius and he became a follower of Jesus, it came to a man who respected the God of Israel and lived a moral life. When it came to Antioch, it came to a pagan city.”
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“God’s stamp of approval was on this work”: this is a great reminder to undividuals/churches to be certain an action is ‘of God’ and not simply from personal will. We, too, must have evidence to offer if under questioning. I think of the many ‘ministries’ started by churches that flounder rather than flourish. It’s obvious then that God’s stamp of aporoval was missing. That’s not the focus, I know…sorry for the rabbit trail!
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Another rabbit trail: we can’t all be a Paul, but many of us can be a Barnabus (encourager/mentor). Let’s always be open to that ministry. Example: Barnabus vouched for Paul’s sincerity when others questioned Paul’s conversion.
Are we willing to stand up for/ encourage those new to the faith?
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Where would we be without God’s plan to save us? So very thankful for His all-inclusive grace!
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SONG SHARE:
Casting Crowns – Only Jesus (Official Lyric Video):
Partial lyrics:
Did I live the truth to the ones I love
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever
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Love, hugs,and prayers! ❤
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So good. We can start ministry right where we are, by being an encourager/mentor/ listener, by being there. Thank you Cee Gee for this great mission statement.
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What stood out to me was the Lord convicted Peter of something contradictory to his thoughts and beliefs. We must always be wise and open for God to convict us…not on our own wisdom and disciplines. Although Peter was correct in knowing the law…God is leading him down a new path (enlightenment to his understanding). The thing we have to remember is the word itself in the old testament did say this, that a Messiah would come to give light to the whole world, just as Abraham’s seed would produce generations. So it wasn’t contradicting the word, just Peter’s current understanding.
Peter got confirmation with the things that happened after (the men coming to seek him) and then of course the Holy Spirit falling on the gentiles!!
It’s important for us to remember that God continues to give us further understanding of his ultimate plans when we listen! (as it lines with the word). Getting out of our own stubborn and prideful ways, EVEN when we think we know the right way. God is always working miraculous things to multiply His Glory!
I’m going to Jail today- pray for me!
lol. (Fortunately I do get to leave!) I always send that text to my son. Oh how I love Wednesdays…to be able to go share the word of God with the ladies…help edify and strengthen them in their valley. What a blessing God gives us to GO and minister to others!!! Just like the disciples we are reading about right now..I hope it encourages all of YOU to KNOW we MUST SHARE the Good NEWS to anyone and everyone!! Time is short! We never know what tomorrow brings!! If you know what Jesus has done for you…why wouldn’t you tell your testimony?! Do it! Pray for divine moments, visions, Courage, direction, and guidance!! And remember most of all—God created YOU to BE YOU—in your own way and personality, to do as he has already planned, you just have to step in faith!! In Jesus name—-!!Amen
Have a wonderful day RHONDA with the butterflies. May the Spirit of God reveal Himself mightily to transform lives. Amen to “Pray for divine moments, visions, Courage, direction, and guidance!”- this is the get off the bench nudge lol. You do sound like a coach, do you know that? :) Love it. Don’t be a spectator, get off the bench, proclaim and share the gospel❤️. Yes ma’am. Hugs and love.
I’m going to Jail today- pray for me! – lol You are funny Rhonda!
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❤️ Thank you @Rhonda J. for these words of wisdom and encouragement.
Looking back at my life, I sometimes wonder how I got through it. My son’s illness affects only 2,000 in the entire world. My father burned to death in a house fire. My nephew had open heart surgery when very young. He died at 30 from alcoholism. I was in a verbally and physically abusive relationship.
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BUT GOD (Tina)
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I knew I could no longer try on my own. I turned to God begging for help. For Him to change me not my circumstance. To help guide me through them. To give me strength, courage, and perseverance. James 1:2-4 And He did. He is faithful and loving. A most wonderful Father.
Yes, amen!!! We ALL have so many testimonies of BUT GOD (which is repeated throughout the word!!) Write them down Traci and others! If nothing else, as I tell my groups, the testimonies will be there for your loved ones to see God in your life!!
What a testimony of God’s amazing grace in our time of need. ❤️
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But God, indeed. ❤️❤️❤️
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Wow Traci – what a testimony! I had not known about your dad and uncle. But God for sure!
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Thank you for your testimony, Traci ❤️❤️
“….there are gifts from God in the roadblocks we face.” “Even in the detours” Wow have I as I’m sure most of us here have had those unexpected detours, roadblocks or simply things don’t go as we had planned. BUT GOD’s plan is always better as He knows whats best for His children. I experienced this during the process of going to court again last year (and I still have more coming up), when a court date was postponed for a later date. Little did I know then,it gave me MORE time, strength, courage and head space to think things through, pray, seek the “right” counsel. On Monday, I got to visit with a sweet friend (since we were both off). SHE is the one that initially helped me fill out the paperwork for the restraining order as I was beside myself trying to figure it out. Sorry for this long winded comment, but I want to say this. I was at the courthouse (back in the summer of 2017) and confused about this paperwork, when “suddenly” I receive a text from “this” friend to check on me. When I told her what I was doing, she told me to come over and she would help me. And she did! On Monday I reminded her of that day and got to thank her again. God is SO good He brings angles our way to help us along when facing hard times!
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Even after such intense persecution, the Truth of the Gospel was running deep. it could not be silenced. I like to think I would remain vocal and faithful in this time, but I have to really consider if I would truly be so bold and willing to live that out? Detours and roadblocks can be paralyzing and debilitating and stop us in our tracks. Cultivating and continually deepening and rooting our relationship with the Lord is essential to our being able to navigate the hard season, whether its being questioned or mocked for our faith, detours, and the things that can turn our lives upside down. We have to be committed to knowing Jesus, to seek Him daily, to cultivate a deep relationship with Him so that when the roadblocks come, we know we can run to Him, rest in Him, trust in Him and know He is good and will carry us through. We see the example of the church in Antioch that we read of today and they “adapted and adjusted despite the disappointment and fear”. They are an example of fruitful discipleship, a steadfast faith and a commitment to our faithful Lord and proclaiming the saving message of Jesus. Heavenly Father, work and move in our lives to draw up close to you. To be steadfast, faithful, to persevere; to trust in your plans and goodness even when things come to a halt and are unknown. Help us to testify to your truth and bring honor and glory to your name no matter what we face. Find us faithful Lord. Amen ❤️
Yes, Amen Wendy! (Heart)
Wendy thank you for this! Really needed these reminders today ❤️
Beautiful, Wendy! ❤
We can call them detours but God makes them divine appointments! Give me more boldness to reach the lost.
Praying for all! Have a blessed day!
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“Even in the detours, we have the beautiful opportunity to turn toward people whom God loves and share with them the good news of His saving grace.” This was so convicting to me because many times have I been so blinded by my own feelings about unexpected detours, that I have failed to see how this can be an opportunity to share the good news. Definitely needed to hear this.
Same.
Amen
Good morning, She. I have two prayer requests. Yesterday someone shared a job posting with me and asked me to share it with others. It pays 20,000 dollars more than I make. The drawback is it is grant funded for a year. That is scary.
I am not in a bad situation financially and that would be a significant wage increase! I need wisdom and guidance. I need wisdom and guidance from God.
My second prayer request is my church is hosting a conference next weekend. I really,really want to go for both days. It is almost impossible to get a Friday and a Saturday off where I work.I work on a rotation. I want to be able to all of this conference.
2 comments from my Bible:
” Why are we sometimes slow to take the gospel to ethnic groups or cultures that are different from our own? Why does the Lord press us to do so?”
” The name “Christians” was first used of believers and disciples in Antioch (26); the name expresses the close relationship between Christ which means “Anointed One” and His people who share His anointing and in the Holy Spirit. If we carry the name of Christian, why is it important that people be able to see the grace of God in our lives?”
The Reformation Heritage Study Bible both quotes and questions come from this Bible.
Praying for your requests Tanya.❤️
Yes, praying.
Praying for you Tanya. For sharing with different ethnic groups, I think there are some cultural and translation barriers, social tensions, fear of negative reactions and social cost. The gospel is not just translating words, but translating a concept, a way of living. For Christians we have the grace but we carry the Cross and the sufferings too, side by side. So it’s a balance to share both His grace along with the struggles- which I am so thankful for so many of our shes who have been so honest and real with their pains here. Unfiltered. I am cautioned when someone just share highlights and never be vulnerable, it is a sign of a mask. It all comes down to being really transparent and really genuine with one another, which is hard to find in society where people are likely fake, on the surface, superficial to preserve self and their comfort level. In other to exalt Christ, one must decrease, and not just decrease.. but die die die to that self image of vanity. But some will never ever die to self, especially prideful narcissistic personalities that I had the chance to come across, tried to be in their lives as long as they let me, their psychology aren’t built for that, they can’t admit flaws, the inner self is hypersensitive, fragile, insecure, yet won’t reach out to Christ to be strengthened/ built up, but they alone will maintain a false self of grandiose at all cost, invulnerable through control, manipulation. Quite complex. That is demonic. But for Christians, we have the Light, The Source, The Prince of Peace, The Author and the Finisher of our Faith, we carry the Cross with Him and daily sing praise to His Name. His Words are perfumed with His love that we cherish and hide in our heart. I really liked your questions. Thank you for asking sister.
Yes, your word caught me with “sharing grace, but also the sufferings.” We really went there today in jail, because we usually try to build up the ladies, but today, as one lady (Tosha, who is SO strong) got the hitch in her voice and started to cry. I didn’t hurry over it..we sat in the broken sadness together…and let the Holy Spirit be with us. She knows she is being used in a great way by Christ to minister to others and be an example of strength in Christ in the hard. But she is suffering so much at the same time. Please keep praying for her to be released. The charges to get dismissed.
Praying, Tanya, for wisdom in evaluating the possible job opportunity, as you weigh the pluses & minuses of current vs potential.
Praying also that someone will be delighted to switch days with you (if that’s permitted), regardless, that God would guide you in this.
Prayers Tanya.
I forget sometimes what a turnaround God worked in Peter’s life – from a bit hotheaded and impulsive to patient teacher and preacher of Christ as Savior to all.
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Acts 11:17 “If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
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No one can withstand God, but how much damage is done and time is wasted in trying? Let’s draw closer to Him and withstand the things that try to pull us away from God.
Ephesians 6:10-13
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
That’s a good observation SEARCHING. Same gifts He gave to all His children, “If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”. God is just and generous with His gifts. Reminds me of the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” God surely is very generous.
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I wonder if I would have had the faith to keep going amidst persecution, beating or imprisonment? Would I have been open-minded enough to see that God himself offers salvation to ALL, not just my fellow Jews?
Holy Spirit, please give me perseverance under hardship, faith in trials and disappointment, joy in the journey and love for all. I know that when I am filled with you I have power and strength to be obedient and do the work to which I am called. Fill me and guide me today. ❤️
Amen. ❤️
Amen. I wonder the same things of myself.❤️
Amen!
GM ladies – we have quite the list of prodigals! It is an honor to join you all in prayers and I loved the idea of posting to FB so people can add as they choose and also update with answered prayer. If Tyler Staton can bring 1/3 of his 8th grade class to Jesus through his prayers, we can do the same! I pray the name of Jesus of all those on the list, draw them to you Lord in ways unexpected, in ways that they will know it is only GOD! Just like in the readings of the last few days, we know you are so creative in how you reach the hearts of your children and asks for testimonies to come out of our fervent prayers for our prodigals. Give us the perseverance to keep praying even when it is hard or looks like you aren’t moving. It is you will to bring them all to you, let your will be done! In Jesus’s name.
Also, if anyone is opposed to me posting the list on our FB group, please lmk. I can continue to post here weekly as names are added and as a reminder for all to pray:)
I’m so excited that we are joining together and praying for our prodigals! I am eager to see how God moves through our prayers. I was telling one of my patients at work yesterday about our commitment to pray and she was encouraged. I thought, we haven’t seen the fruits of our prayers yet, BUT GOD, is using them already to encourage and remind us to pray. I have been asking God to show me how to share my faith and to be bold. Sharing what God is doing is a great way for me to do that!
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TAMI thanks so much for doing this!
“ I pray the name of Jesus of all those on the list, draw them to you Lord in ways unexpected, in ways that they will know it is only GOD! Just like in the readings of the last few days, we know you are so creative in how you reach the hearts of your children and asks for testimonies to come out of our fervent prayers for our prodigals. Give us the perseverance to keep praying even when it is hard or looks like you aren’t moving. It is you will to bring them all to you, let your will be done! In Jesus’s name.”
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I know I will appreciate it if you post weekly here as I’m not on social media. I will join all of you lovely prayer warriors! ❤️
Amen❤️
Detours, when driving, take us places we may never have seen before, opening our eyes to other possibilities. May we be open to the possibilities God brings our way because of life’s detours.
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MERCY – joining you in prayer for the youth caught in the social system.
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ADRIENNE – thanks for the update on Matt. Continued prayers for him and Paul.
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LISA H – praying for Andrew to continue making progress.
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MOLLIE – praying your husband’s back has returned to normal
Thank you! He is still bed ridden and scheduled for surgery next week. He can walk about a minute now until the pain is too much and down his leg falls asleep.
Praying for your husband, Mollie and his upcoming surgery.
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Thank you, Kelly.
Thank you, Kelly (NEO).
I had an update yesterday evening from my friend: “He’s been overall pretty good. Still problems with insomnia/restless legs… we were up from 12:45-3:05 am [yesterday] morning… trying to be thankful he’s doing better but still exhausted and stressed because it seems like we never know when something will go wrong.”
Thank you, all, for the prayers. Obviously with the brain tumor, this is one of those long term situations.
Little praise report, my husband, daughter and I flew home yesterday, Seattle to Burbank (L.A), and it was a smooth, easy flight. No scary wind or turbulence like a year ago. My daughter did so much better, no puking or obvious anxiety. ❤️
❤ Awesome- answer to prayer!
Hugs KELLY ❤️
Just a random, brief, and kinda corny thought that came from today’s devotional: Sometimes our plan B is God’s plan beautiful.
As Rachel was writing so eloquently in the devotional, it is oftentimes when things don’t go as planned for our lives that God weaves something together even more beautiful than we could’ve even thought of or imagined. And that’s what He did way back then in Antioch, and He does the same today all over the world.
I’m so grateful for our creative, wise, and powerful God!
Happy Wednesday, all.
Amen! Love this!
Not corny! I love this!
“Sometimes our plan B is God’s plan beautiful.” Love it!