Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Monday, August 19, 2013

The Army Behind You!




Some of my favorite scriptures are these...
Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots were circling the city.  And his servant said to him, "Alas my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those are with us are more than those who are with them."
And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
II King 6;15-17


I am so like the servant with Elisha. I can see God answer prayers. I can even trust the Lord for answered prayers for others, yet there are times my focus is only on the battle in front of me instead of the army behind me.

As my family continues our journey, my notebook is full of the provisions of the Lord.  The answered cries from my prayers the Lord miraculously answered.  To have not been evicted from our home in the extended months of unemployment alone is a miracle.  Even my friends would say, "How are you going to make it?"  We were even offered a home to share with some friends if we did get evicted.  My faith would rise and fall.  My Christian's friends faith would rise and fall.  I would struggle with wanting to fight or flee.  

We live in America.  The country that tells us to secure our lives through health insurance, 401Ks, life insurance, car insurance, savings, pensions and regular income.  You look for jobs,more for their benefits than the salary.  So when someone doesn't possess these "given" American "necessities" we don't know how to react. 

As we continue to recover, I fell into the pit of despair.  I went to scripture and realized I was not alone.  Just go back and look at how many fought a battle, just to fall into despair after the answer came.

In my deep cries, which held that NOTHING, that's right, NOTHING was right in my life, I begin to see God's signs.  He was showing me, "Daughter you have been in war.  You have laid down your weapons.  Pick them back up!  Can you not see the army behind you?"

Jacob fought to receive his blessing. He didn't let go until the angel blessed him.  

I had lost focus.  Our family is traveling to Italy in less than two weeks to see our son get married.  My focus hasn't been on what God did in the past, it was been swallowed up in what needs to be done in order to go to Rome.  Our son is covering the trip expenses for us to go, but we have needs that can't be met.  So as I opened an email on Focus... this is what I read:

Sometimes we can just lose focus when it comes to our destiny, which is the "why" behind what we do. Paul's destiny included going to Rome. I am sure he kept that in mind as the waves were crashing against the ship. There will be waves crashing against your ship, too. Can you keep your Rome in sight?

Occasionally, we can lose focus because we are so preoccupied with what we need that we have forgotten what God has done for us so far.
-Holly Wagner

I heard His voice. I saw the connecting dots. I picked up my weapons of warfare, and started to run again for the finish line.  I look to Rome and a Heavenly Father who reminds me of the army behind me.  I will travel to the physical city of Rome, but more importantly God has a Rome in my life for a purpose.  Just as Rome was for Paul to accomplish his destiny, I too, will trust that God will continue to mold my destiny.




15 Joining in with more words:

Sharon said...

Janette, you will never know how much this post spoke to me this morning. It gave me comfort and courage. Yes, in the midst of the many battles we face, it's so easy to forget that the victory is already won. I also love that passage from Scripture - and yes, I am so often just like Elisha's servant.

Open my eyes, Lord.

And give me back my sword.

GOD BLESS!

Christine said...

WOW!!
P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L!

Look out Italy, here comes Janette, daughter of the King!

Sue said...

Just what I needed this morning,too! I need to remind myself.. The battle is His and victory is ours.
You, Benjamin, and your family are in my thoughts, and prayers so often.
Love, Sue

Vee said...

The imagery of warfare is so challenging for many, especially women. My church has this beneath its name: "building both a family and an army." The army part has only lately begun to resonate with me. Now we know that Paul is with The Lord and doing very well, but his trip to Rome? Well, let's just say that yours is going to be much better!

Debbie said...

Oh your soo right! What a comfort to know we truly do have an army behind us! He fights those battles for us, and yet we reap the benefits of victory! How exciting on the trip to Italy! Can't wait to hear all about it! (I will answer your email later today..) Enjoy your week!

Rebecca said...

I love that story and have often wished I had eyes to see the Angel Armies!!!

Wow! Italy. What a dream.

Have you blogged about how the wedding has come to be in Italy (or is that personal information)?

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

That's it isn't it!! The story is for each one of us, and even though circumstances differ for everyone, the battles are there, and the truth God has given us is also there!

Keep moving forward to all of your Rome's! I love this story and this blog Janette. Speaks to me too!

Maryann said...

I love that passage from 2 Kings. I too, so often feel like Elisha's servant...fearful, defeated, forgetting that I am part of a bigger army. This was a good word for me today. Keep you armor on friend and remember you are not battling alone

Nancy said...

You have certainly encouraged and spoken to me today....Focus on God and His plan ahead and never forget the army is behind....
You are a blessing to me...Thank you...and I will be praying for you as you prepare to leave to go to "Rome".....

Debbie said...

Awesome!!! I loved the part about Jacob wrestling and not letting go until he received the blessing. That happens to be one of my favorite passages of scripture in the whole Bible for a variety of reasons.

Don't ever forget that he left that wrestling match with a limp, either. When the wrestling changes our walk, we are blessed beyond the blessing! I have prayed and am still praying that everyone can see your beautiful limp.



Debbie Petras said...

Oh Janette, I've been there too. Sometimes I can hardly believe all that's happened in my life in the past four years. I'm glad I didn't know in advance as I think I would have been tempted to run for the hills. Life is still uncertain in many ways. But God is faithful.

How exciting to have the wedding in Rome. Greg and I went to Italy (when we could afford it). It is beautiful and the people are very nice. The food is amazing. I rode in the elevator with Anne Bancroft (from The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman). It was just the two of us for many floors. :)

Keep on trusting God. I have my job because we get inexpensive health insurance for both me and Greg. Plus I get to love and be loved by the children. Only God ...would know what I needed just when I needed it. He knows your heart and what you need too Janette.

Love you,
Debbie

Angel said...

I have always loved this passage of scripture, and the way you've woven it together with your story is so beautiful!

Also, this video is right in line with a post I've been working on. Powerful message. Thank you!

Sandy said...

This is wonderfully inspiring, as is your life's journey. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to hearing about the wedding in Rome.
Take care~

myletterstoemily said...

i'm so sorry you had togo through such
times, but you have been such an inspi-
ration to us. you're probably thinking,
"keep the inspiration." :)

Catherine said...

Dear Janette, I am so grateful you posted this. I needed to read this. Thank you and God bless you my friend.
You have not been out of my mind or prayers. Please keep me in your prayers too.
Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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