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A JOB
ASSIGNMENT
"I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans
to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you
a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"Oh Lord," I prayed, "Please
take me Home. This pain is more than I can bear!"
"My dear child," replied the Lord, "I can take you
Home, but then you will not be able to serve Me." I
was a fairly new Christian and had not been serving
the Lord although it was my desire. I said, "Dear
Jesus, cancel that last request. But will You at
least take away this terrible pain so I can get on
with serving You?" The pain was gone immediately
and I sighed, "Thank You, Jesus."
Now, fourteen years later, I
find myself making that same request. "Oh Lord,
take me home. I'm so lonely and sick since my
husband went to heaven. I don't want to go on by
myself. Haven't I lived long enough?" God did not
reply directly, but instead sent people to pray for
me and encourage me.
One day two ladies from church,
Linda and Jodie, came. Jodie handed me a pretty
journal saying, "Lenore, inside the journal there is
a letter to you from your Heavenly Father. I want
you to read it carefully. It is a word of prophecy
the Lord has given me for you." I picked up the
letter and began to read:
Lenore,
To my child who has been able to
abide in Me through many
seasons of pain and despair, but has
come through victoriously,
to my daughter who has found a new
ministry through the midst
of loneliness and who knows the call of
my hand on your heart and
life. I have many things to accomplish
through you and in you, for
my purposes are not completed in your
life yet.
I have placed My
words and My prose in your mind and heart
that need to see light. They need to
reach the ears of women and
children. They will teach and instruct
at the proper time. Arise, oh
lovely one. Arise and fight the enemy.
I have equipped you with
many gifts. I have touched your hands
and heart.
Write, Lenore,
write. Teach, Lenore, teach. Love again, Lenore,
love again. you are safe in Me.
Your
Loving Father
Though I was a little overwhelmed with these
words of prophecy (especially that "oh lovely one"
bit), and, not really wanting to hear it, I replied,
"Thank you, Jodie for your words of encouragement.
Linda, it was kind of you to come and pray for me.
Thank you both for your prayers. I do appreciate
your caring."
It wasn't the first time I had
heard similar words of prophesy. Reading the words
over again this morning helped me get my focus back
on target. There is a purpose for my lonely hours,
though I can't say I like it. Not yet. I am
certainly able to write without interruptions. I'd
been trying to discipline myself (a constant battle)
and not get bogged down in self-pity.
Then one morning the Lord said,
"I want you to approach your writing as a job
assignment. I will guide and help you." A new
excitement about writing is spurring me on, knowing
that God is helping me write stories from my life to
encourage others. I have come to the realization
that I won't leave this earth until I've finished
every chore God has purposed for me to
accomplish.
Here's a poem I wrote
expressing my desires:
God's Beautiful Love
Oh Lord my God, you care for me
as I look around I surely see
Evidence of your love is everywhere!
I watch a butterfly out my window there
You gave it beauty and wings to fly;
How I wish that I could soar up in the sky
And rest my weary soul; I'd say good bye
To the cares of this world; but I can't leave
Till I've finished every chore, I do believe
In the meantime I will try to be content
To live my life for Jesus, I give my consent!
And I'll try to smile at everyone I see!
I am like that little sparrow up in the tree
Who is singing his lonely song to thee!
Let me serve the lord; perhaps plant a seed
Maybe I can heal another soul in need! |
