Praise the Lord Dear Chosen Women & Friends,
Is it ALREADY February 2009? Welcome back to the Chosen Women Website. Just a little housekeeping before we get to the message. If you have not stopped by since January, please note that we have added a Chosen Women Prayer List. Calling all Prayer Warriors -- please remember these situations in your prayer time. If you wish to have us add something to the prayer list, please email me. I remember in times past how the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous women of prayer across the country caused God to move in many diverse situations when presented to you through our Internet network. I am so grateful for the opportunity to beseech you again -- I know God will move, and I will post the testimonies.
Also, you might want to check back with us sometimes throughout the month. We will post speaking engagements and other ministry events. You might want to support our ministry events, come and be blessed, and fellowship with your sisters in Christ. Look for additions in the News and Ministry page throughout the month.
Well, last month I spoke to you of the journey that the Lord has called me to begin. I did, and it has been amazing already. It is not time to share the details just yet -- I am just starting and learning. But, I will share with you as the Lord allows. I am finding the most comfort, inspiration and encouragement in what anchors us all -- The Word of God. There is nothing else that is true except the Word. Everything that we say and do must be supported by the Word of Truth -- whether we literally reference scriptures or not -- scriptures should support the ways that we go; the things we speak; and, what we do.
I feel led to simply share with you from the Word this month. February is the shortest month in the year -- but I sense that for many it will be one of the most difficult of the year. I am especially concerned for those in California. It could be that our state's budget crisis will affect many of your businesses and income in the coming weeks and months. The times present much stress and anxiety for many.
I am sure that even from across the country you heard about the husband in Wilmington, CA that killed himself, his wife and children because of their financial hardship. (The children actually went to school with our Chosen Woman, Sis. DeAnna Featherstone! She did not know the family, but her oldest child did.) Saints, people are giving up! But for the child of God, we were forewarned about this time, and told to fear not! I speak into the Spirit of that one that needs to hear it today -- FEAR NOT! If the whole world goes bankrupt, God will provide for His children. (Luke 21:27-29; Matthew 6:30-32; Luke 12:21-23; Hebrews 10:36-38, etc.) Know that God has got your back.
Do not isolate yourself in this time. More than ever, you need to stay connected with those that love Jesus. Also, do not let pride make you ashamed to share what you might be going through. This can open a door to depression! The devil is a liar -- there is therefore now NO condemnation to them that are in Christ . . . do not be ashamed of what you are going through. Lost or losing a home? Been there. Trouble in your marriage? Been there. Lost or losing EVERYTHING? Been there! I know I wrote to you about a horrible season when I was under grievious attack. Every area of my life was made fodder for the enemy -- ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Oh, yes, I had my Job experience.
But can I hear somebody say, "BUT GOD!" God might allow you to go through a rough season for a God reason! He wants to teach us something, or show us something about who He is. Today, I can testify about how the LORD has brought me out!
Marital relationship? RESTORED! Body? HEALED! Child? AGE APPROPRIATE AND WELL! Joy? RESTORED! Anger? GONE! Sadness? GONE! Depression? GONE! Disappointment in the behavior of so-called friends? OVER IT! Home? ON THE WAY! Financial increase? COMING! If you are going through anything right now, I am a witness that God can and will BRING YOU OUT!
My work as a family counselor requires me to know about resources in the community to help families in need, and to support those that are in the direst of situations. If you are at your end and do not know what to do, reach out. If you do not know where to go, I will try to steer you in the direction of community supports that might help. Yes, we should pray but sometimes people need practical help!
I often think that I wish I could have spoken to that father before he took such a drastic approach to kill himself and his family. Some people in the media are even making jokes about it. My heart is saddened. Yes, of course he likely needed salvation and deliverance. But often people need a helping hand. Jesus dealt with the natural needs of people -- hunger, sickness, disease, mental illness, depression, grief, etc. If you need help, reach out.
If you are in a situation where others around you are experiencing hardship, take the time to notice. Be sensitive to the Spirit of God and discerning of those around you. God will often lighten our load and meet our needs as we take the focus off of us and focus on helping someone else. I have wondered, "God, were there any saints around that family?" Could no one sense their desperation. I believe sometimes we can intervene in the life of another if we take the time to really focus, take notice and care. Let us, in this month seek to pay attention to those around us a bit more. We are light -- we are salt -- we can make a difference in the lives of others during this most difficult time.
WHEW! You know, as I was writing the Lord changed my message to you. I intended to just share with you from the Bible, but the Holy Spirit has taken me another way. I will put away the lesson that I was going to share for another time. At this moment I feel unctioned to simply pray:
Father God, I pray right now for your women everywhere. Help us to remain steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Jesus, I sense right now that some are experiencing great hardship and even fear and depression during this time of financial upheaval for our country. Lord, help us to keep focused on eternal things. We need not get caught up in the anxiety of our nation and world. We know in whom we have believed. We understand that you are the Creator of all things, the ancient of days, and the wheel in the middle of the wheel, meaning you can turn things around in any direction at any time. We trust you to provide for us, and not only that but to prosper us in a time of famine. Confound the wise and faithless for us as we stand on Your Word, in Jesus' mighty, saving, delivering and healing name. Amen.
In Service for the Master,
Evangelist Lisa Y. Mitchell
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