GOD'S SUSTAINING POWER

"...I am He, I am He who will sustain you."  Isaiah 46:4

      My friend Marlene invited me to go to the West Coast 'Catch the Fire' Conference to be held at Rock Harvest Church in Pasadena, California with her and another friend Carol.  She made hotel reservations for us, but I was not sure I should go due to a health condition.

      As the date drew near, I had decided I would not risk going away for four days, stay in some hotel and maybe get sick--that did not present a desirable incentive for going.  I called Marlene, telling her, "I don't think I should risk going to the conference, Marlene.  I don't feel strong enough."  Marlene said, "Don't make up your mind yet, Lenore.  Wait until next week to decide."  A few days later Carol called me and said rather excitedly, "Lenore, please change your mind about going to the conference.  I want you to go because you always encourage me."

      "Carol, I'm still very weak.  I haven't gone anywhere overnight since R.J. died last summer.  I haven't recovered my strength since having pneumonia and the digestive problems last winter.  I don't think it's wise for me to go, but I will pray about it."

      When I prayed, I felt the Lord assure me that He would sustain me if I decided to go.  "If I get too sick I'll just go home, I told Marlene.

      As I packed for the trip to Pasadena I was a little apprehensive, not sure I had made the right decision.  I wasn't at all sure I could trust the Lord to sustain me.

      However, all my fears vanished when I entered Mott Auditorium and joined in the worship with the crowd of enthusiastic worshippers.  What a terrific conference!  The speakers were so excited about Jesus.  And the worship was awesome.  I received lots of wonderful prayer which really lifted me up, dispelling all my fears.

      It was not until I returned home that I realized that God had sustained me throughout the entire four days.  We left the hotel before nine each morning and did not return until nearly midnight each evening.  I was able to eat restaurant foods without ill effect.

       Gratefully I prayed, "Thank You, Oh Lord, for sustaining me and renewing my strength."  I am learning to face the future without fear, trusting that God will be with me no matter what.