Emotions ebb and flow like a mountain river rushing past my feet.
It’s that time I’ve set aside to lay my soul bare before the One who knows me best. One moment, I’m bent over in adoration, kneeling in a position of gratitude as my heart pours out thanks for sheltering the two young ones who travel in and out of my days almost as quickly as dew drying in the high desert sun.  The next, my heart fills with dark, unremitting sorrow.
Muttering, I ask “When, God? How long before you answer?” Frustration pours out hot and damp and I brush it impatiently aside.

[bbctt tweet="I mourn the loss of what might have been and
cry out to Him-longing for assurance.#faith"]

These are the dog-eared prayers of more than a decade. Words written, wept over, and whispered. There are fresher requests uttered over soul-deep scars another loved one carries. I mourn the loss of what might have been and cry out to Him-wanting justice but longing more for assurance. Assurance of something better. Assurance of hope.
Have you ever grieved and wished you had the power to travel through time? To alter circumstances? Perhaps, even, to take matters into your own hands if it meant you could rescue the one you love?
While I can’t explain the path of suffering my dear ones are walking or rescue them from it, I know the Christ who stepped outside of time onto the cross to provide the way. The Rescuer has already come that life may be made new.

[bbctt tweet="...bear the burdens of those who are wandering or wounded.
#loveothers #poweroflove"]

This is the strange in-between of already but not yet when the Enemy takes advantage of the weak and vulnerable. He circles around the frail and unprotected, seeking to devour easy prey. But they are not defenseless. Instead, Christ calls us to be the modern-day equivalent of Simon of Cyrene as we bear the burdens of those who are wandering or wounded.
If your heart is broken and bleeding over someone you love, praise God.
Have I mistyped those words? No. Only deep, selfless love results in such sorrow. Allow that love to drive you to your knees and cling to your cross as you thank God for His continual presence.
I don’t know what your loved one is facing. It could be addiction or disease. Maybe he is walking the prodigal path or is trapped in the cage of mental illness.

[bbctt tweet="The God who caused dead bones
to rise triumphant will have the victory.#doyourpart#pray"]

Whatever the cross you bear on the behalf of love, “Have faith in the Lord” and “give thanks…for his love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20). The God who caused dead bones to rise triumphant will have the victory and you, Warrior, play a part.
James 5:16 (AMP) exhorts, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”
Why? Because God has provided us with heaven’s homework. If your spirit is burdened for a friend, family member, or someone you met in passing then pick up your cross. There is work to be done (Ephesians 2:10) and you were called “for such a time as this”. (Esther 4:14)
He hasn’t left you unequipped, Friend. You wield the sword of the Spirit, God’s powerful two-edged m’achaira-a deadly weapon worn by the common soldier and always at the ready for hand-to-hand combat. This God-breathed blade is razor-sharp, designed to protect you and those for whom you battle from the Enemy. In moments of weariness, you’ll discover strength between the pages of His word. Strength to praise. Strength to pray. Strength to stand.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
 
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