Bad day

[MidwesternGirl]

AWAY FROM HOME -

"Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from
his Home." Proverbs 27:28

Bob and Charlyne have been away from home for awhile now. I have no
doubt their thoughts are the same as mine when I have to be gone for
an extended period. I just want to sleep in my own bed and fix
breakfast in my own kitchen and sit on my own patio drinking coffee
out of my own cup. I'm sure they long for their own nest where they
can feel safe and comfortable.

Proverbs 27 talks about a bird that has strayed from its nest. Our
prodigals are like that bird. They have left their covenant family
to fly away into uncharted territory. They have worked very hard
at building another nest in the wasteland where they have ventured.
They have tried to fill that nest with the things of this world that
they think will make them happy - a new job, a new place to live, a
new town or maybe even a new family. To us, it may look like they
have succeeded. But this nest is not home and the materials used to
build it will not last. The first strong wind and that nest will
come crashing to the ground. Unlike us, they don't have the comfort
of knowing that the Father's strong arms will be there to catch us
when we fall.

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27a

"I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God,
in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his
feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his
faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:2-4

Yes, those we love have wandered into the wasteland. They have
turned their backs on their covenant and turned their backs on God.
They have been taken captive by the enemy to do his will. But we
have been called to a very important task – to stand in the gap for
them; to pray for their salvation; to believe that God can and will
turn their heart of stone to a heart of flesh. This is His promise
to us and we need to hold onto that promise even when it looks like
it will never come true; even when the one we love has built a nest
in the wilderness; even when everything in the flesh tells us it
isn't going to happen for us. Sometimes, you just have to see with
the eyes of your heart.

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at
the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7b

What is your heart's cry today? Is it a prayer for relief from your
pain? Is it a prayer for that heart transplant that Charlyne always
talks about? Are you praying and crying out to God asking why He
has allowed this circumstance in your life? Are you thinking that
the one you pray for is safe and secure in their new nest? Are you
asking what to do; what to pray for? Cry out to God and ask Him to
renew and refresh your heart today. Ask Him to show you His will
and His way for your marriage. Know that He wants to be your
Wonderful Counselor and your Great Physician. Maybe you don't know
what to pray for anymore. Maybe you feel like your prayers are just
hitting the ceiling. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the way. Ask
Him for guidance and wisdom and then wait quietly for His answer.

"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and
understanding." Proverbs 2:6

Our prodigals are birds that have strayed from their nest. It is
our job – our calling – to pray them home.

"Lord, we pray for opened eyes and opened hearts. We pray that You
will bless and protect our loved ones who are away from home right
now. We pray that You will shine Your light into their lives and
dispel the darkness in which they live. We pray that You will be
there for them as You have been there for us when that strong wind
comes into their lives. We pray that You will be there to catch
them as they fall. Amen."

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul
takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until
the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who
fulfills his purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends his love and his
faithfulness." Psalm 57:1-3

God bless,
Kim
http://rejoiceministries.org/kim.html